Category: York

The inaugural Winter Dairy Weekend marked an exciting new opportunity for youth and families interested in the dairy industry. Designed as an informative and fun two-day educational experience, the weekend focused on building practical skills, confidence, and enthusiasm preparing youth for success in agriculture, careers, and life.

A total of 28 youth participated, with 24 youth owning their own heifers and 4 youth borrowing heifers for the event. One of the primary goals of Winter Dairy Weekend was to provide hands-on dairy learning that would spark interest and build readiness for future opportunities. For youth who borrowed heifers, the weekend served as an introduction to dairy ownership with the hope that they will be inspired to participate in the Dairy Heifer Project or invest in their own heifers to raise and show. In addition, we hope the 24 youth who already owned their heifers gained valuable skills and confidence to help them prepare for the upcoming show season. Through expert instruction and hands-on practice, youth refined their daily care routines, strengthened their showmanship skills, and deepened their understanding of animal presentation. Our goal is that each participant leaves better prepared, more confident, and ready to be the very best version of themselves—both in and out of the show ring, reflecting the Beyond Ready focus on personal growth and readiness.

Throughout the weekend, youth participated in hands-on instruction covering all aspects of preparing and caring for a dairy heifer. Educational sessions included:

• Washing and daily care
• Feeding and nutrition
• Halter breaking and proper halter fit
• Judging dairy cattle
• Fitting and clipping techniques
• Showmanship skills and ring presence

Participants learned what to look for when selecting a quality heifer, how to properly fit halters, which clippers to use and why, and practical techniques to help make their heifers look their very best in the show ring. Special emphasis was placed on attention to detail, confidence, and communication—skills that extend far beyond the show ring!

Beyond technical skills, Winter Dairy Weekend provided a space for youth to build friendships, work as a team, and connect with peers and mentors. These experiences reinforced that dairy projects are about more than cattle; they develop responsibility, leadership, teamwork, and problem-solving. Which are critical life skills that prepare youth for future challenges.

As the very first Winter Dairy Weekend, the event established a strong foundation for future programming. We hope this experience benefited both youth and parents and sparked continued interest in dairy projects while supporting long-term youth development through hands-on learning and leadership opportunities.

More information contact: Tina Horn

Officials with the Clemson University Department of Plant Industry (DPI) discovered an invasive yellow-legged hornet nest in York County on December 8, 2025 after a local beekeeper reported seeing a hornet preying on honey bees. This was the first detection of a yellow-legged hornet or nest in South Carolina outside the Lowcountry.

To protect York County (and surrounding areas) pollinators, natural resources, and agricultural economy from the potential impacts of this invasive species, Clemson University’s public service units have mobilized to provide education, assist with identification, and coordinate eradication efforts.

Clemson Extension’s York County office, located in downtown York, is on the front-line of this effort by providing outreach education and serving as a trap site to help DPI identify where these hornets might be establishing nests so they can be located and eradicated.

DPI staff will be placing hundreds of traps, like the one in the picture above, throughout York County and surrounding areas to monitor potential sightings. The public is encouraged to NOT disturb these traps, as they are being monitored by Clemson University DPI staff.

The yellow-legged hornet, which is not the same as the northern giant hornet, has the potential to be more aggressive towards humans, especially in the early stages of nest development. Humans are more likely to come in contact with these hornets as they are more apt to build nests on homes and manmade structures.

The most serious concern with the yellow-legged hornet is its potential to damage the already embattled U.S. beekeeping industry. Yellow-legged hornets are a principal pest of honey bees, having caused increased colony losses in western Europe since their detection in 2004. Their establishment and spread in the U.S. is alarming for beekeepers, who are already reeling from a year in which the nation’s colony loss rate was greater than 60 percent.

Residents are urged to use this reporting tool website to document any potential sighting of these hornets. You can learn more about the yellow-legged hornet here and the life-cycle of yellow-legged hornet nests can be seen below:

Related links used for this blog post:

Yellow-legged hornet nest located in York County; residents urged to report sightings

Plant Industry – Trapping Yellow-Legged Hornet

Blog post editor and photographer: Ben Boyles, Agribusiness Agent, York County Coordinator

Andy Rollins
Commercial Horticulture Agent
Spartanburg County

I am currently planning a replicated on-farm herbicide trial on jalapeño peppers at the farm of Ignacio Estrada Jr in Greenville County. The trial will evaluate the viability of Spartan herbicide as a weed control option. This project is being coordinated with Dr. Mathew Cutulle, a Clemson University specialist based at the Coastal Research and Education Center in Charleston, SC.

I recently completed the Upstate Strawberry Production Meeting at the Spartanburg Community College Cherokee Campus “Institute for Innovation,” a new venue for me. The meeting attracted growers from at least four counties across South Carolina, as well as two farms from North Carolina.

I will also continue my work on thinning peaches using Ethylene. I have experienced difficulty thinning varieties such as Scarlet Prince and July Prince. To address this, I will use a two-pronged approach: thinning during bloom with Ammonium Thiosulfate (ATS), followed by thinning at the fruitlet stage with Ethephon 2 SL. Peach growers currently rely on hand thinning, which is the most expensive labor input in peach production. This makes the development of effective chemical thinning strategies especially important for peach growers in the Upstate of South Carolina.

My final spring training for Upstate vegetable growers will be held on March 12.

Last Thursday, February 19th, York County 4-H’ers stitched together history, hands-on learning, and heart for their community during our 4-H Sewing Workshop — and it was a day to remember.

A Field Trip into Textile History and Innovation

Our day began with a unique field trip experience that connected the past, present, and future of the textile industry right here in York County.

At the Baxter Mill Archive, youth explored an extraordinary collection that began with a passion for preserving historical textile prints. What started as a focused archive has grown into more than 1.5 million sketches, swatches, garments, painted boards, antique books, and fabrics. Participants learned how the Archive has evolved from a physical design center serving creatives to a modern digital destination offering print-on-demand fabric and wallpaper — making its vast design resources more accessible than ever before.

Next door, youth had the opportunity to see textiles being created in real time at Springs Creative. With roots dating back to 1887 and now led by the 5th and 6th generations of the Springs-Close family, Springs Creative blends tradition with innovation. Students observed how state-of-the-art digital printing technology is used to produce high-quality fabrics and wallpaper right here in South Carolina.

Together, these experiences gave our 4-H’ers a powerful look at how textiles connect history, artistry, technology, entrepreneurship, and environmental responsibility. What began as a simple sewing workshop quickly expanded into a deeper understanding of an industry that continues to shape our region — and the many career pathways available within it.

Sewing for a Purpose

After returning to the York County Extension Office, it was time to put their skills into action.

Youth worked together to create zipper pouches — practicing measuring, cutting, pinning, and sewing with purpose. For some, this was a chance to refine skills they’ve been developing. For others, it was a brand-new experience navigating a sewing machine. Regardless of skill level, every participant showed patience, focus, and determination.

But these weren’t just practice projects.

Each zipper pouch will be filled with hygiene items and donated to a local shelter, providing practical support to individuals in need within our community. The sewing workshop became more than a skill-building event — it became an opportunity for service and compassion.

Building Skills That Matter

This workshop beautifully reflected what 4-H is all about:

• Learning by doing
• Exploring career pathways
• Developing life skills
• Giving back to the community

Youth left not only with improved sewing abilities, but also with a deeper understanding of York County’s textile history and the impact they can make through service.

We are so proud of these young leaders for their hard work, teamwork, and willingness to use their talents to serve others. Events like this remind us that when we combine education with heart, incredible things happen.

Here’s to more stitching, more learning, and more opportunities to make a difference — one zipper at a time.

Kristin Kunde 
York County 4-H Agent 
Cooperative Extension
Clemson University
120 N. Congress St.
York, SC 29745
w 803-639-9102
kkunde@clemson.edu
Civil Rights Statement

At Hickory Grove–Sharon Elementary School, 4-H is creating meaningful, hands-on learning experiences for students in grades 3–6 — made possible through strong school and community partnerships and the dedication of club leader Julie Parris.

Hands-On Learning That Builds Life Skills

This fall, all 3rd–6th grade clubs participated in the 4-H Pie Project, where students worked together to make no-bake pumpkin pies. With support from parent and teacher volunteers, students completed every step themselves, building confidence, teamwork, and practical skills.

Students have also explored agriculture in real and engaging ways — from learning how farms operate to discovering how wool becomes yarn through creative, hands-on activities.

Community Partners Making a Difference

Local community members play a key role in the club’s success. Beth Black of Blacks Peaches visited with 5th–6th graders to share what it’s like to run a farm and the responsibility behind agricultural careers. In December, Robin Currence and her team at Lincoln Road Farms welcomed students into their kitchen to learn how to bake the “4-H way.” Students proudly shared their homemade cookies and biscuits with teachers as a holiday thank-you, reinforcing service and gratitude.

Youth Leading the Way

This winter, students are researching South Carolina agricultural commodities and preparing presentations for a schoolwide 4-H Day in May. Their plans include hands-on activities and “make-and-takes” for younger students — giving them the opportunity to lead, teach, and inspire others.

Music, Culture, and Connection

The HGSE Pickers, a 4-H strings group, practice weekly and are preparing for an upcoming bluegrass festival. Many of these students also participate in grade-level 4-H clubs, showing how 4-H connects academics, arts, and culture.

A Strong Model of Community Impact

Through dedicated leadership, supportive schools, and invested community partners, Hickory Grove–Sharon Elementary’s 4-H program is helping youth develop skills that last a lifetime — while showing just how impactful and fun 4-H can be.

Kristin Kunde 
York County 4-H Agent 
Cooperative Extension
Clemson University
120 N. Congress St.
York, SC 29745
w 803-639-9102
kkunde@clemson.edu
Civil Rights Statement

A True York County 4-H Success Story

McKenna’s roots in 4-H run deep. From her earliest days showing horses to becoming an active teen leader, she embraced every opportunity to challenge herself and strengthen her skills. Her passion for agriculture, youth development, and community leadership continued to grow throughout her 4-H career — ultimately shaping her path long after aging out of the program.

Clemson Graduate & Emerging Youth Development Professional

In May 2025, McKenna graduated from Clemson University, bringing with her an academic foundation that pairs perfectly with the hands-on experience she gained through 4-H. During college, she continued her commitment to youth programming and agriculture through internships that prepared her for this role in extraordinary ways:

• York County 4-H Summer Intern (2024) – where she supported club events, summer camps, and community outreach.
• South Carolina 4-H State Office Intern (Aug 2024 – May 2025) – gaining statewide perspective and experience that she will now bring back home to our county.

These experiences, combined with her lifelong involvement as a 4-H’er, make her uniquely equipped to connect with youth, support volunteers, and strengthen the programs that make York County 4-H one of the strongest in the state.

Growing Up in the Saddle

McKenna grew up riding horses, a passion that helped shape her into the confident, hardworking leader she is today. Her love for the equestrian world continues to influence her commitment to agriculture and to helping young people discover their own passions through 4-H.

Building the Future of York County 4-H

As Program Assistant, McKenna will help support club operations, school programming, community engagement, special events, and the continued growth of our county’s expanding 4-H community. Her energy, creativity, and deep love for York County make her the perfect addition to our team.

We could not be more excited to have her back — not as a member this time, but as a leader, mentor, and role model for hundreds of youth who will walk the same path she once did.

Please join us in giving McKenna the warmest York County 4-H welcome!

Kristin Kunde 
York County 4-H Agent 
Cooperative Extension
Clemson University
120 N. Congress St.
York, SC 29745
w 803-639-9102
kkunde@clemson.edu
Civil Rights Statement

July marked the exciting start of the 51st South Carolina 4-H Dairy Heifer Project! This long-standing tradition continues to provide opportunities for youth to learn about dairying and the dairy industry. The Dairy Heifer Project began in 1974 and was designed to provide boys and girls in South Carolina an opportunity to raise a dairy heifer and experience the dairy industry and then sell their heifer at the South Carolina 4-H Bred Dairy Heifer Sale before she begins milking. The project is a long-term project. This year, 24 participants from all corners of South Carolina received heifers. Youth received a dairy calf of one of four breeds: Holstein, Jersey, Guernsey, or Brown Swiss. Over the next 20 months, these young people will raise and care for their heifers, gaining invaluable skills in animal husbandry, responsibility, and showmanship. The journey culminates in the spring of 2027, when the now-bred dairy heifers will be marketed and sold to dairymen across the country through an online auction. The SC Dairy Bred Heifer Sale serves as an excellent source of herd replacements for South Carolina dairymen. In past years, heifers raised in South Carolina have gone on to begin their careers as milk producers in as many as eight different states! 

This year is especially exciting, as we welcomed 10 new families into the program—proof that the spirit of agriculture is alive and growing. The 4-H Dairy Heifer Committee is thrilled to see so many youth eager to step into the world of agriculture, many for the very first time.

With the 4-H motto being “learn by doing”, we believe one of the best ways to learn… is with an animal in hand.

The Clemson Extension South Carolina New and Beginning Farmer Program (SCNBFP) proudly celebrated the graduation of its Class of 2025, marking a milestone in the program’s 15-year history of empowering the next generation of South Carolina producers. This year’s cohort included 50 graduates who successfully completed the Certificate program and an additional 13 participants enrolled in the Audit track. Together, they represented a diverse cross section of South Carolina agriculture—from aspiring farmers launching their first enterprises to those expanding existing operations across a wide range of commodities and regions.

Throughout the five-month program, participants engaged in ten full-day workshops focused on essential agribusiness management and production topics. Sessions covered business planning, financial and risk management, marketing, legal and regulatory considerations, soil health, and integrated pest management. Participants also connected with Clemson Extension Agribusiness professionals, industry partners, and fellow farmers, gaining access to valuable resources and building relationships that will continue to support their success long after graduation.

A highlight of this year’s program was the introduction of a Business Plan Pitch Contest, sponsored by SC Farm Credit, which provided cash prizes to support the growth and development of participants’ farm operations. The competition showcased the entrepreneurial spirit and innovation of South Carolina’s beginning farmers. Congratulations to this year’s winners: 1st Place – Amy Sudbeck; 2nd Place – Mercedes Bouyer; 3rd Place – Jacob Towe; and 4th Place – Denese Tyler.

With more than 650 program alumni to date, the SCNBFP continues to serve as a vital resource for new and beginning farmers across the state. By providing the tools, knowledge, and confidence needed to build viable, sustainable farm businesses, the program is strengthening rural communities, expanding access to locally produced food, and ensuring that agriculture remains a cornerstone of South Carolina’s economy for generations to come.

The stage was set. All summer long, York County 4-H’ers had been tending to their tomato plants—watering, staking, pruning, and hoping for the perfect harvest. They all started the same way, with six small tomato plants—this year’s chosen varieties were Celebrity and Sun Gold—handed out at the start of summer. Each young grower transplanted their plants into a garden or container, then spent weeks battling weather, pests, and the unknowns of plant growth.

Yesterday, it all came down to one thing: the York County Tomato Judging Contest. Six titles were up for grabs. Ribbons, bragging rights, and a summer’s worth of work were on the line. The York County Master Gardeners stepped in as judges, inspecting each tomato with care, weighing entries to the gram, and debating over shapes, colors, and, yes… even the “worst” looking fruit.

Finally, the results were in:

2025 Winners

• Heaviest Open – Caroline Huffstetler – 355 g
• Heaviest Project – Morgan Webbie – 319 g
• Best Tomato – Natalie Estes
• Best Plate of 3 – Katelyn Huffstettler
• Worst Looking Tomato – Evie Martell
• Green Tomato – Raelynn Harris

Some tomatoes impressed with size, others with perfect form—and some, well, made everyone laugh. But every entry told a story of patience, learning, and determination.

This project isn’t just about who grows the biggest or the prettiest tomato. It’s about watching something you’ve nurtured from seedling to harvest, learning through trial and error, and discovering that sometimes the journey is just as rewarding as the ribbon.

A huge thank-you to the York County Master Gardeners for judging this year’s contest, and to the families and volunteers who made the Tomato Project possible. We can’t wait to see what grows in 2026!

Kristin Kunde 
York County 4-H Agent 
Cooperative Extension
Clemson University
120 N. Congress St.
York, SC 29745
w 803-639-9102
kkunde@clemson.edu
Civil Rights Statement

Once a quiet spot with little 4-H activity, Fort Mill has blossomed into a thriving hub of youth development and community engagement. The Fort Mill 4-H Community Club has grown to nearly 50 active members, supported by 11 dedicated volunteers, creating a vibrant space where young people learn, lead, and give back.

Reviving 4-H in Fort Mill

Recognizing the need to reconnect youth with hands-on learning and leadership opportunities, Extension staff and volunteers worked to rebuild the 4-H presence in Fort Mill. Through dedicated outreach and engaging programming, the club has quickly become a favorite for youth eager to explore STEM, agriculture, and leadership.

A Garden Grows with Community Spirit

Youth-Driven and Youth-Led

What sets Fort Mill 4-H apart is its emphasis on youth voice and leadership. All activities are planned and led by the young members themselves, empowering them to take ownership of their learning and community impact. From STEM projects to poultry care and leadership workshops, Fort Mill youth are at the helm.

Serving the Community and Building Life Skills

Looking Forward

Fort Mill 4-H is more than a club — it’s a launching pad for future leaders, innovators, and community advocates. With continued support and engagement, this thriving club will keep inspiring youth to grow their skills, confidence, and commitment to making a difference.

Kristin Kunde 

York County 4-H Agent 
Cooperative Extension
Clemson University

120 N. Congress St.

York, SC 29745

w 803-639-9102
kkunde@clemson.edu