Category: York

It’s been an exciting and busy few months for York County 4-H, and we’re thrilled to share some of the incredible milestones, achievements, and upcoming events that have kept our 4-H family thriving.

A Look Back: Achievements and Milestones

Over the past six months, York County 4-H has seen tremendous growth and enthusiasm, with over 500 registered members taking part in various projects and events that span our five program areas: STEM, Agriculture, Healthy Lifestyles, Civic Engagement, and Natural Resources. Here are just a few highlights from recent months:

Summer Camps: Fun, Learning, and Adventure

This past summer, York County 4-H offered a variety of engaging and educational summer camps that provided youth with opportunities to explore new interests, build friendships, and develop important life skills. From agriculture-focused camps, where participants learned hands-on about animal care and gardening, to STEM camps that sparked creativity and problem-solving, there was something for everyone. One of the highlights was our outdoor adventure camp, where youth enjoyed fishing, team-building activities, and learning about natural resources. These camps not only helped 4-H’ers gain knowledge but also created lasting memories and fostered a love for learning in a fun and supportive environment. We can’t wait to see what next summer holds!

York County 4-H Banquet

On August 29th, we gathered at 145 Blackburn St. in York, SC, for the 2024 York County 4-H Banquet. This event celebrated the dedication and achievements of our 4-H’ers, with 177 awards presented to members who excelled in their respective projects. A total of 75 youth were recognized for their outstanding efforts, and we had the honor of hearing from McKenna Johnson, a York County 4-H Alumna who is now studying at Clemson University. She inspired everyone in attendance by sharing her 4-H journey and the impact it had on her life. We also heard from Gavin Lewis, our 2023-2024 Teen Council President, who reflected on the past year and looked forward to the bright future ahead for York County 4-H. 

Multi-Species Showmanship Clinic and Supreme Showman Contest

This summer, York County 4-H hosted a Multi-Species Showmanship Clinic, providing our youth with hands-on training in showing a variety of animals, including cattle, goats, poultry, and swine. Participants had the chance to work with experienced mentors, learning the skills needed to handle and present different species in a competitive setting. This clinic culminated in the highly anticipated Supreme Showman Contest, where our talented 4-H’ers showcased their skills in front of judges, competing for the prestigious title of Supreme Showman. The contest not only tested their knowledge and abilities across multiple species but also demonstrated their dedication, hard work, and versatility as livestock exhibitors. This event proved to be one of the most challenging yet rewarding opportunities for our 4-H youth to demonstrate their mastery of showmanship and animal care. Congratulations to Senior 4-Her, Mattie Johnson, for being awarded this year’s Grand Champion in our Supreme Showman Contest.

Fall Livestock Show

The highly anticipated Fall Livestock Show was held on September 6th and 7th in Rock Hill. This event continues to be a highlight for our members who raise livestock, as well as a fantastic opportunity for the broader community to see firsthand the hard work our youth put into caring for their animals. Over 100 youth from all over the county gathered to show their livestock. Shows included Dairy Cattle, Dairy Goats, Horses, Poultry, and Meat Goats. We were honored to have the continued support of Councilman Tommy Adkins, who backed this event, and Councilwoman Christi Cox, who showed her support for the Dairy Goat project. These relationships between our 4-H members and local leaders demonstrate the strong ties we’ve built within the community.

Introducing the 4-H Bluegrass Project

We are thrilled to announce the launch of our brand-new 4-H Bluegrass Project, a unique opportunity for youth to dive into the world of Bluegrass music while developing leadership skills and a sense of community. This project has been a dream in the making for nearly two years, and we are excited to finally kick it off! Bluegrass music holds a special place in many of our lives, and through this project, we hope to share that passion with the next generation. Participants will not only learn to play and appreciate Bluegrass music but also gain valuable skills such as teamwork, confidence, and public speaking. The project will culminate in a trip to the SPBGMA (Society for the Preservation of Bluegrass Music of America) in Nashville, TN, where members will experience the heart of the Bluegrass community. This project is sure to be an unforgettable experience, combining music, leadership, and community service in true 4-H spirit!

Stay Tuned for More!

As we head into the fall, we encourage everyone to stay connected with York County 4-H through our newsletters and social media pages. With so many exciting projects, events, and opportunities on the horizon, we can’t wait to see what the future holds for our 4-H’ers. Whether it’s through leadership, community service, or showcasing their skills in competitions, York County 4-H youth are proving they have what it takes to succeed and make a positive impact.

Thank you to all of our volunteers, sponsors, and supporters for making these incredible experiences possible. Your dedication to York County 4-H helps ensure that we continue to “make the best better” for our community.

We look forward to seeing everyone at our upcoming events!

Kristin Kunde

York County 4-H Agent
Cooperative Extension
Clemson University

120 N. Congress Street
York, SC 29745

803-639-9102
kkunde@clemson.edu

The growing importance consumers have placed on knowing where their food comes from has resulted in an increase in small-scale and backyard farming. A series of learning sessions and workshops aimed to educate those who are or are considering on producing their own meat, milk, or eggs has begun in York and surrounding counties by Clemson Extension Livestock and Forage agents. To date, four poultry, one goat, and one dairy workshop have been delivered with over 100 participants attending at least one. These programs have been held in conjunction with the Clover and Fort Mill Libraries and at local farms. The goal for these initial programs is to help participants determine if small-scale or backyard farming is right for them and the steps that need to be taken to get started. More in-depth workshops are being planned so if you are interested please contact the York County Extension Office.

Tina Horne
Livestock and Forages Agent
State Dairy Program Coordinator
thorn@clemson.edu

Jeff Fellers – Area Forestry Agent

Summer has arrived.  With it comes dry weather, high temperatures, insects, and fungal diseases.  All can stress our plants and lead to more site and office visits to look at stressed and diseased plants.  This summer has been no different.  I always enjoy talking with clients and trying to help them identify their problems and find ways to help them.  Below are some of the interesting programs I have been associated with over the last few months.    

Site Visits/Office Visit
You never know what may come through the door at the office or what you might expect to see at a site visit.  We receive a lot of questions on small gardens throughout the summer.  These can range from blossom end rot, to stink bugs, to powdery mildew, and many other common pests and diseases found in the garden.  I also get tree calls from around the area.  These have ranged from lichen, dying oak trees, pine beetles, and numerous other insects and diseases that affect our trees.  Aquatic weeds in ponds also become more of a problem in summer, and I do numerous identifications and treatment options for landowners.   I always enjoy the specimens that clients bring in. There is always an opportunity to learn about new insects and diseases that I have not seen before.   

Camp Conservation
Camp Conservation is hosted by the Newberry Soil and Water Conservation District.  I have participated in this camp for the last several years by taking the 4-H Shooting Sports Trailer.  I normally take the trailer on the Friday of the Camp (June 28).  Participants learn about gun safety, parts of the gun and how to shoot.  The youth then get to shoot air rifles as they rotate through the different stations for the day. 

 https://www.newberryswcd.com/campconservation

Women Owning Woodlands
On April 12, I assisted in a field tour for Women Owning Woodlands.  This tour was held at a tree farm in Laurens, South Carolina.  At the field tour they learned about wildlife food plots, soil sampling, how to interpret a soil sample, prescribe fire, pine management, and various other topics.  Women Owning Woodlands aims to educate women in the stewardship of the land by connecting them to resources and trusted professionals. 

https://www.clemson.edu/extension/forestry/media/women-owning-woodlands.html

Lynches Woods Trail Hike
On August 17, I led a hike at Lynches Woods in Newberry, South Carolina.  Newberry Parks and Recreation hosted the hike on National TRACK Trails Day.  Participants learned about tree identification, keeping forests healthy, and various other plant related topics as we walked the trail. 

Newberry Forestry Association
The Newberry Forestry Association hosted meetings in May and August.  The May meeting featured a presentation by Jake McClain, a wildlife biologist with Pheasants Forever and Quail Forever.  Jake presented on creating and managing quail habitat.  The August meeting featured a presentation by Scott Danskin with the SC Forestry Commission on the current status of timber markets and mills in reference to the area.  The Newberry Forestry Association also gave out three $500 scholarships to local students who will be majoring in a field that benefits forest landowners.

Laurens Forest Landowners Association
The Laurens Forest Landowners Association hosted meetings in May and August.  The May meeting featured a presentation by Jake McClain, a wildlife biologist with Pheasants Forever and Quail Forever.  Jake presented on creating and managing quail habitat.  The August meeting featured two presentations.  Matthew Wannamaker from the Farm Service Agency presented on the agency’s forestry related programs.  The second presentation was by Holly Welch and Devin Orr on potential free stewardship management plans for landowners in Laurens County. 

Broad River Conservation Partnership
In March of 2024, the Broad River Conservation Partnership hosted their first landowners meeting.  Landowners attending the meeting heard testimonies from those who have benefited from working with land trust to help conserve their properties.  This is a program that is spearheaded by SC Department of Natural Resources, with the help of numerous other organizations.  The goal is to conserve, protect, and elevate the importance of our natural resources in the Broad River Watershed. 

Clemson Experimental Forest Southern Pine Beetle Tour
Unfortunately, there is currently a Southern Pine Beetle outbreak in the Clemson Experimental Forest.  The Forestry and Wildlife Team toured numerous spots on Friday August 9, 2024.  This was a great opportunity to see how the Experimental Forest was managing the problem.  The team was able to see active spots, controlled spots, and a salvage harvest.

South Carolina Society of American Foresters Annual Meeting
The South Carolina Society of American Foresters held their annual meeting in Newberry, SC June 12 through June 13.  I assisted in the planning and hosting of this meeting.  On June 12, we had a tree farm tour with a social.  June 13 was classroom sessions that focused on forest markets and the projected outlook. 

Woodland Clinic
Woodland Clinic is a forestry skills competition held at Connie Maxwell Children’s Ministries property in Greenwood, South Carolina.  High schools from across the state are invited to attend and compete.  Participants compete in tree measurement, forestry tools, compass and pacing, and forest pest identification.  I have helped for numerous years in the compass and pacing competition.   

Master Tree Farmer Tour
On May 10 we held a Master Tree Farmer Tour for participants of the class at Mike Meetze’s tree farm in Newberry, SC.  Participants were able to see a typical pine rotation from planting to harvest.  They were able to see a stand marked for pole harvest along with an operation sawmill on the property. 

Upcoming Events:

Union County Farm Show – September 21, 2024, Union County Fair Grounds

Union County Agricultural Fair – October 15 – 19, 2024, Union County Fair Grounds

5K Day at the Union County Agricultural Fair – October 17, 2024

Newberry Forestry Association – November 12, 2024

Laurens Forestry Association – November 26, 2024

Jeff Fellers
Area Forestry & Natural Resource Agent
Chester, Laurens, Newberry, Union, & York

One thing I love about working for Clemson Extension is the diversity of work throughout the seasons.  Rarely do we have the same tasks day after day.  It often changes with the season. The fall and winter seasons bring about fairs and festivals, along with our normal activities.

Union County Agricultural Fair
October is all about the fair in Union County.  The Union County Extension Office is heavily involved in managing the livestock, poultry, agricultural products, and home economics sections.  We also operate the Union County 4-H Shooting Sports Trailer throughout the week of the fair.  On Thursday of the fair, we also host a 5K day where all the Union County public schools bring their kindergarten classes to the fair to learn about livestock and agriculture.  I always enjoy presenting on the crops section for this field trip.  If you have never visited the Union County Agricultural Fair I highly recommend coming by and seeing us. 

Kids in the Parks Track Trail
I had the opportunity to lead a trail hike for the Newberry County Recreation Department for their grand opening of the Kids in the Parks Track Trail.  This trail is located at Lynches Woods in Newberry County.  I really enjoyed spending the afternoon with the children and helping them identify some trees and shrubs, along with learning about growth rings on pine trees.  The Newberry County Recreation Department has a nice kiosk with brochures that help educate those who take the hike.

Wood Magic Forest Fair
Wood Magic Forest Fair is a free field trip for fourth graders, hosted by the South Carolina Forestry Commission.  The program provides a learning experience about the forest industry in South Carolina that meet fourth grade school standards.  Volunteers from around the forest industry come together to teach fourth graders all about forestry.  This year I had the opportunity to teach the Gifts of the Forest station at the Harbison State Forest location.  For more information on Wood Magic visit: https://www.scfc.gov/education/wood-magic/.

Learn to Burn
In November, I had the opportunity to assist with a Learn to Burn program in Union County.  This program was hosted by the Piedmont Prescribed Fire Cooperative at a private landowner’s property.  Participants were able to actively participate in a burn on a mature pine stand.  They were able to see the process from planning, preparation, execution, and mop up.  Learn To Burn provides a great educational experience to landowners that are wanting to learn how to implement prescribe fire on their property.

Newberry Forestry Association
The Newberry Forestry Association had their last quarterly meeting in 2023 on November 14.  We met at Mt. Pleasant UMC.  Eddie Reese, with NRCS, presented on forestry cost share programs.  Our next meeting will be February 13, 2024, and our topic will be estate planning. 

Laurens Forest Landowners Association
The Laurens Forest Landowners Association had their last quarterly meeting in 2023 on November 28.  We met at the Laurens County Farm Bureau Office.  Chris Gordy, from West Fraser, presented on local and statewide mill updates.  Our next meeting will be February 27, 2024.

 Grand American
This was the first year that we took the Union County 4-H Shooting Sports Trailer down to the Grand American in Orangeburg, SC.  Along with Forged In 4-H, we set up a display to help raise funds for the two programs.  Just like at the Union County Agricultural Fair, the trailer is set up for participants to have fun shooting air rifles.  For those less experienced shooters, we spend a little extra time helping them learn the basics of shooting.  Forged In 4-H also provided forging demonstrations, while selling some of the items that were made through the program.  The Grand American provided an excellent venue to advertise our program and educate participants about what great programs we have to offer.

 4-H Food Plots
One of my favorite activities in this job is judging 4-H Food Plots.  We typically do this in January, so the weather is normally not cooperative.  This year however, we had a very nice day to be out in the woods.  We judged 1 in Newberry County and 2 in Union County.  For more information on the 4-H Food Plot Project visit the following link: https://www.clemson.edu/extension/4h/program-areas/natural-resources/wildlife-food-plot-project.html.

Upcoming Events:

Woodland Stewards Silvopasture Webinar Series – January 30 through March 5
https://forestrywebinars.net/sponsor-pages/woodland-stewards

Newberry Forestry Association Meeting February 12, 2024

Indian Creek Field Day February 22, 2024

Laurens Forest Landowners Association Meeting February 27, 2024

Broad River Watershed Landowner Interest Meeting March 7, 2024 Spotlight on Ag March 14, 2024

With the demand for beef up, more dairy producers are crossbreeding heifers or less productive cows with beef.  With this shift and an increased interest in local grown beef, several livestock and 4-H agents are piloting a beef on dairy youth project to allow youth opportunities to grow and show these animals.

This project will allow youth who do not have beef or dairy cattle of their own or are looking for a shorter-term project than the current dairy heifer project an opportunity.  Milky Way farm is willing to provide animals needed for this project and share with us the list of individuals that currently buy these animals from them.  They do not currently raise enough steers to fill the orders for meat that they have requests for.

Youth who sign up for the project will need to have the ability to care for and raise an animal up to 1000 pounds. Application process will give priority to those who do not have cattle of their own. Youth will sign up and pay $500 for these animals that will be randomly drawn in May.  Youth will then feed, care for and show these animals for one year. These animals will be able to show at several local shows and the South Carolina State Fair during the dairy show.  This is a terminal project and all will be sold for beef in October of the following year.

This project will give more youth the opportunity to learn about animal agriculture and may be a bridge for these youth to the beef or dairy heifer project.  It may also provide more siblings to participate in a cattle project should a family reach the maximum of two youth per family if there is a shortage of dairy project heifers.

Contact:

TINA HORN
LIVESTOCK AND FORAGES AGENT
STATE DAIRY PROGRAM COORDINATOR
York County Cooperative Extension
Clemson University
120 North Congress St.
York, South Carolina 29745
w 803-944-2089
thorn@clemson.edu 

Do you rely on a private well for your drinking water source? With more than 20% of South Carolinians falling into this category, it is essential that these wells are properly maintained in order to ensure safe drinking water.  Maintenance of the well is the responsibility of the well owner and can often get overlooked. If you feel overwhelmed when it comes to all the different well components, water quality testing, and treatment options, then you are not alone! The Clemson Extension Water Resources team recently developed numerous resources to help well owners on these very topics as part of the Be Well Informed program. This includes a three-part HGIC factsheet series – Residential Drinking Water Well: Well Components, Water Quality, and Water Treatment Options.

For a more in-depth overview for well owners, check out the new Be Well Informed Online Course. Here well owners are able to dive into three modules covering SC water resources, well maintenance, and water quality. This course is free for all and is self-paced! For more information and to sign up for the online course, Click Here.

If you have any questions regarding your well or other water-related questions, please contact:

Charly Greenthaler charlym@clemson.edu | 803-520-1679

York County Extension
Hello York County,
The extension agents are as busy as ever with programs. I hope you enjoy reading about the many
things we have been doing and programs upcoming.
We welcome Tina Horn, who serves as the livestock & forage agent in York County and works statewide
with dairy farms. Please contact our staff directly with your questions from this contact page:
https://www.clemson.edu/york/

Paul Thompson
Urban Horticulture Agent/County Coordinator

Learn more about our available online courses here:  https://cpe.clemson.edu/

The South Carolina Dairy Heifer Project began in 1974 and is one of the oldest 4-H projects of its kind in the Nation. This project was designed to provide youth in South Carolina an opportunity to raise a dairy heifer and experience the dairy industry, and then sell their heifer at the South Carolina Dairy Heifer Project Bred Heifer Sale. Throughout the years, thousands of South Carolina youth have taken part in 4-H dairy work. These 4-H and Dairy Heifer Project alumni can be found in all “walks of life.” Many are outstanding farmers and leaders of the dairy industry, while others are doctors, veterinarians, and teachers. In nearly every case, these people look back on this 4-H dairy experience as an outstanding part of their youth.

As the dairy industry has changed and evolved over the years, so has the South Carolina Dairy Heifer Project. Due to COVID restrictions, the 2020 Bred Heifer Sale was held online for the first time with great success. Due to that success, the sale has been permanently moved to an online format and the event dates have been adjusted to better suit the needs of the dairy industry. Through all the changes, the South Carolina Dairy Heifer Project has continued to thrive and reach youth across the state. Thirty-seven heifers are currently in project and under the care of 4-H youth and eighteen of those youth are from York County.

The 4-H and FFA dairy project members exhibit their dairy project animals at fairs, shows, and events in nearly every region of the state. Millions of people have seen or learned about 4-H and FFA through these youth dairy exhibits at the many fairs and events in South Carolina. This offers a tremendous opportunity for 4-H, FFA, Clemson Cooperative Extension, and the dairy industry to educate and inform the public about the dairy industry and youth dairy programs. Many thanks go out to the industry for the support of the program. Heifers for the project come from project alumni and producers across the Southeast who have seen the impact the project has had and is continuing to have on our youth.

4-H is doing so much in York County! This summer we hosted many 4-H opportunities for the youth. We were able to have camps and teach youth about outdoor art, sewing, playing guitar, baking, insect identification, horses, cooking, and leadership. Our county sent 11 youth to Clemson for a week to learn about statewide 4-H opportunities, build relationships with 4-Her’s from other counties, and enjoy workshops on life skills and leadership. Our youth have also been working hard this summer to prepare for the fall livestock show season. Many of these 4-Her’s will be showed at the York County Fall Livestock Show on September 8th & 9th. To wrap up the summer events and celebrate all that our youth accomplished, we will be hosted a York County 4-H Awards Banquet. We enjoyed recognizing all the youth who spent time with us this year.

September 1st kicked off the 2023-2024 4-H Year and 4-H is continuing to grow. We have 11 active 4-H clubs with 6 more planned to pick up in the next two months. We will have 10 schools offering afterschool 4-H clubs this school year and many more participating in our 4-H Embryology, School Gardening, and Ecosystems projects. 14 youth were just named York County 4-H Project Ambassadors and we have 13 State 4-H Ambassadors this year from York County. Our programs would not be possible without our amazing volunteers. We conducted volunteer training in August and trained 22 volunteers for the 2023-2024 4-H year. Our kids are excited and motivated to do more for their community and our volunteers are prepared to support their efforts. I am so thankful for the energy and excitement that these 4-Hers are receiving from their community.
The Spirit of 4-H Award is a South Carolina 4-H honor recognizing an outstanding individual based off their ability to exemplify the four Hs: Head, Heart, Health, and Hands. Criteria that are used to select the recipient each year includes impact in the community, impact on the 4-H program, program responsibility, level of involvement in the county program, and level of involvement in the state program. I’m so excited to announce that Riley Cotton from the York County Happy Hooves 4-H Club was selected as this year’s Spirit of 4-H Award Winner. She truly deserves this recognition for all that she has done for York County 4-H. Read her 4-H Story Below.

Riley Cotton: 2023 SC Spirit of 4-H Award Recipient
As a member of their local 4-H horse club, Riley Cotton takes an active part in her club meetings, serving as the secretary. She has participated in many counties and statewide events. Riley has shown in the State 4-H Horse Show for many years and competes in Hippology. Riley volunteers at a local therapeutic riding center and helps with their annual Special Olympics team. She’s supported their local 4-H program by obtaining sponsorships for their county livestock shows. Riley gives back to their community and helps whenever she can. Riley possesses leadership qualities that are easily seen by those around her. She is passionate about 4-H and wants to see everyone succeed. She is a role model for the younger 4-Hers in our county and loves to share her passion for agriculture with the community. Riley has been a huge part of the success of 4-H in York County. Congratulations on being this year’s South Carolina Spirit of 4-H Award Winner.

Community Service

Our community service projects encompass the 4-H pledge to better our ‘community, country, and world’. Whenever you come to a York County 4-H Event, remember to bring ONE of the following:

• A Canned Good for local Food Pantries & Blessing Boxes
• A Soda or Soup Can Tab for the Ronald McDonald House
• A Dollar for the Samaritan’s Purse: Animals, Agriculture & Livelihoods Projects

All of our club leaders and volunteers can accept your donations and will ensure it is brought to the County Extension Office to be donated with the other items.

4-H Future Events

New 4-H Club Coming to York, SC:
We will be starting a general 4-H club in York, SC. This club will have a youth lead business meeting at the beginning, an educational program in the middle, and small group project time at the end of each club meeting. We are inviting any youth who are interested to attend. We want to extend a special invitation to anyone who has been showing meat goats, poultry, or rabbits to use this opportunity to join a 4-H club. This club will meet on the 2nd Thursday of each month at 6:30 PM at the York County Clemson Extension office. 

Spirit Night & Community Musicians Jam:
We will be having monthly spirit nights at Towne Tavern in York on the 3rd Tuesday of the month. A percentage of the proceeds that night will be donated to our York County 4-H Program. We hope that you will come out and join us on October 17th from 6:00 – 8:00 PM. We are also inviting local musicians to come and enjoy time playing music together. If your child would be interested in playing with other musicians, please encourage them to bring their instrument.

Events:
October 11th – 25th: South Carolina State Fair
October 16th: York County 4-H Advisory Board Meeting
October 21st: 4-H Day at the State Fair 4-H Members get in Free
October 21st: HappyHooves 4-H Club Sponsored Horse Show & Clinics, Clover, SC

Registration Deadlines:
October 1st: 4-H Membership with Free T-shirt
November 1st – December 5th: York County 4-H & FFA Swine Project

https://4honline.com/

Our mailing address is:
Clemson University Cooperative Extension
120 N. Congress St.
York, SC 29745

https://www.cn2.com/savory-scoop-4th-of-july/

Health Extension for Diabetes is now available in York County and has had several graduating cohorts in 2023. This diabetes self-management and support program is offered in-person or online for those with a diagnosis of type 1 or type 2 diabetes. During this program, participants learn about topics such as healthy eating with diabetes, the importance of physical activity, how to manage stress, and more to successfully self-managing their diabetes. For more information: https://clemson.ca1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_07gV9gl3ZHOAohU