Category: York

Travis Mitchell
Livestock and Forages Agent for Newberry & Saluda Counties
Director for The South Carolina Cattlemen’s Association

The spring season is in full swing across the Carolina’s. It is a joy and relief to see pastures greening up and cattle grazing. Spring always brings optimism which was evident in the “beef cattle market outlook” presentation Dr. Andrew Griffith gave at the South Carolina Cattlemen’s Association Annual Meeting. Cattle producers from across the state met at the T. Ed Garrison Cattle Complex on February 3rd for this event. Dr. Griffith, an Extension Livestock Economist with the University of Tennessee, presented to the group a favorable market outlook report indicating higher cattle prices for the next two years. Producers also enjoyed a presentation from State veterinarian Dr. Michael Neault. Dr. Neault presented on the Asia Longhorn Tick, educating producers regarding control measures and identification strategies. The meeting concluded with a joint awards banquet with the Clemson Bull Test.

Be on the lookout in next month’s issue of the Carolina Cattle Connection for photos and awards of excellence winners. I want to thank each of our Prime, Choice, and Select members for putting on an outstanding trade show and for their financial support in making the 2023 Annual Meeting a huge success.

Christopher LeMaster
Livestock & Forage Agent
Cherokee, Spartanburg, & York Counties

This past December, I had the opportunity through South Carolina Farm Bureau to travel to Washington DC with a few other Young Farmer and Ranchers from across our state to meet with our legislators, government ag agencies, and Farm Bureau staff. It was eye-opening and humbling to see how policy for our country is made. We had the privilege to sit down with policymakers and tell them exactly what we do and the challenges we face as farmers. They were eager to listen and provide feedback on legislation that will keep Agriculture the number one industry in our state. Many of the discussions led back to farmland loss as we learned that South Carolina is 8th for the fastest loss of farmland. That statistic was alarming. I work with many multi-generational farmers that have no succession plans. I also work with first-generation farms that are clawing to get access to land. Both are affected by the increased urban sprawl in our state. This trip was a reminder to help my producers to be able to tell their stories and communicate with people who don’t understand farming. Also, this sparked a renewed interest in promoting ways to keep the farm viable to keep farmers on their land.

Also, I hosted a workshop on Farm Successional Planning that presented information on strategically transferring the business and the land. We also discussed conservation easements and other strategies to keep farmland affordable for new and veteran farmers. As we look forward to the Spring, we will continue with programs that focus on the business aspect of farming because we know that profitable farms with good succession plans don’t give way to strip malls and townhomes nearly as easily.

Patricia Whitener
4-H Natural Resources Program Leader
State-wide

Welcome to Patricia A. Whitener who will serve as our new Extension Associate leading the 4-H Natural Resources Program Area.    

Patricia is a native of Clemson, South Carolina.  She graduated from Clemson University where she obtained her undergraduate degree in Environmental and Natural Resources and earned her master’s degree in Wildlife and Fisheries Biology.  Patricia served as a field technician with the U.S. Forest Service, Youth Conservation Corps leader with National Park Service, and naturalist with Table Rock State Park.  Since 2014, Patricia also had the opportunity to serve as the Greenville County 4-H agent where she led a dynamic and diverse youth development program in the most populated county in the state.  Currently, Patricia is pursuing a doctoral degree in Youth Development Leadership under the College of Behavioral, Social & Health Sciences.  She holds many certifications in environmental education and is well published.  She is driven to educate, connect, and inspire others. 

Patricia can be reached at 864-650-0991 or pwhiten@clemson.edu.  Her office will be located at 279 Lehotsky Hall, Clemson, SC 29634. 

Personal Message

I have accepted a position as the Natural Resources Program Leader for SC 4-H Youth Development and will be located on the Clemson University campus. With new opportunities, comes sadness as well, and I’ve loved this job so much.

I can’t express how much I’ve enjoyed working with you all over the last 8 years in this role. I’ve grown so much, not only personally but professionally, doing this work in our community, and helping our youth grow. I am so grateful for the support of the amazing partners, organizations, and volunteers I have had the privilege to work with. Even though I will no longer be here in this role, Greenville County 4-H still has so many exciting things on the horizon and I look forward to continuing to support this community and the new 4-H agent as best I can.

I want to personally thank you all for your help and support over the last 8 years in this role. I have truly loved every minute. I’ve met some incredible people and been touched by so many families along the way. I will greatly miss everyone. But this isn’t goodbye, just a see you later, because I still plan to be involved as a volunteer and supportive of the amazing Natural Resource programs 4-H offers state-wide!

Warm Regards,

Patricia

Jeff Fellers
Area Forestry & Wildlife Agent

In January, I always look forward to judging the 4-H Wildlife Food Plots that were planted by 4-H’ers in the fall of the year.  This year I visited Newberry, Laurens, and Saluda Counties to judge six different food plots.  The 4-H Wildlife Food Plot Project gives participants a bag of seed to plant a certain size food plot.  The participants then monitor that food plot through a specified time frame and complete a record book with their findings.  Many participants set up game cameras, bird houses, and blinds to monitor the wildlife that visit their plot.  They also monitor rainfall and document nutrients added to soil to help the pot grow.    If you know of youth between the ages of 5 and 19 that maybe interested in the 4-H Wildlife Food Plot Project have them contact their local 4-H Agent at Clemson Extension.

The Laurens Forest Landowners Association and the Newberry Forestry Association both hosted meetings in November of 2022.  The Laurens Forest Landowners Association meeting focused on vegetation management for the landowner, while the Newberry Forestry Association learned how to calculate and measure seedling survival on a newly planted stand.

Wood Magic Forest Fair is a program hosted by the South Carolina Forestry Commission.  This is a great program that teaches fifth graders from across the state about forestry.  This year I had the opportunity to present at the gifts stations during the Harbison Wood Magic Forest Fair.  For more information this program please visit: https://www.scfc.gov/education/wood-magic/.

October is always a busy time in Union, because the Clemson Extension Office is actively involved in the local fair.  We manage the livestock shows, home economics department, agronomy department and the poultry department.  On Thursday of the fair, we invite all the 5K classes throughout the county to visit the fair and to come learn about agriculture in Union County.  Through this field trip, the students get a tour through the barn and learn about crops, bees, horses, dairy cows, beef cows, pigs, and chickens.

Jeff Fellers
Area Forestry & Wildlife Agent

Upcoming Events:

The New Year brings new educational opportunities in the field of forestry and natural resources for our area.  In 2023, the Newberry Forestry Association and Clemson Extension will host the 18^th biennial Forestry Focus Program.  Unfortunately, we had to cancel the 2021 program due to Covid.  This program is hosted every odd year and in 2023 the meeting will be held on Saturday March 4, 2023.   Topics covered this year will include, SC Landowner Issues, Hardwood Management, Local Market Impacts on Stumpage Prices, Wildlife Food Plots, and Herbicides in Pine Management.  The program runs from 9:00 am to 3:30 pm and will have pesticide credits and continuing forest education credits with the program.  Registration details can be found at the following link: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/2023-newberry-forestry-focus-tickets-506426213437

The Laurens Forest Landowners Association will start their year off on February 28, 2023 with David Jenkins from the SC Forestry Commission speaking on insects and diseases.  We meet on the fourth Tuesday of the second month of each quarter (February, May, August, November).  If you are interested in joining the Laurens Forest Landowners Association please let me know.

The Newberry Forestry Association starts their New Year off on February 14, 2023 with Dr. Adam Kantrovich from Clemson Extension.  Dr. Kantrovich will be presenting on timber tax.  We meet on the second Tuesday of the second month of each quarter (February, May, August, November).  Bring your sweet heart on valentines day and come get a better understanding of timber taxes.

The Newberry Forestry Association also offers a $500 scholarship.  To be eligible to apply for the scholarship one must be a resident of Newberry County and/or a direct family member of a member of the Association.  The applicant must also be majoring in forestry or a natural resource based field.  For more information on the scholarship, please contact Jeff Fellers at fellers@clemson.edu.

Heather Nix
Water Resource Agent

The Water Resources Team continues to develop a variety of educational materials and programs, including these new offerings:

• Pond Maintenance: Dredging a Land Grant Press article outlining potential regulations and additional factors before undertaking a freshwater pond dredging project.
• Livestock Ponds in South Carolina a Land Grant Press article for livestock owners depending on a pond to provide water for their herd.
• Dam Ownership in South Carolina – a free, self-paced six-week online course for dam owners.
• Lead Solutions – educational information showcasing simple ways to reduce potential exposure to lead in drinking water.

Water planning efforts continue throughout the state to ensure plentiful, clean water for future generations. The SC Department of Natural Resources (SCDNR) is leading the creation of River Basin Councils in each of SC’s eight major river basins; these Councils will work over a two-year period to draft a River Basin Plan.

• The Edisto River Basin Council has released a draft of the Edisto River Basin Plan for public comment.
• The Broad River Basin Council  formed in 2022, and ongoing monthly meetings are open to the public; applications may be accepted for a representative from a Local Government located within the Broad River Basin.
• The Saluda River Basin Council is currently being formed and will likely begin meeting in Spring 2023.

Upcoming events: Our free Adopt-A-Stream volunteer water quality monitoring training is available on various dates. Registration is currently open for the Spring 2023 Post-Construction BMP Inspector certification and re-certification. Please keep an eye on the Clemson Extension Events Calendar for information on additional events.

York County Rural Health Agent, Hannah Shifflette, will be offering a diabetes self-management and support class, Health Extension for Diabetes, in York County starting in mid-February. This free 16-week program comprises 8 education and support sessions and covers topics such as nutrition, physical activity, stress management, and more concerning diabetes. The upcoming February class will be held in person. However, an online version of the class is also expected to be held in the spring. For Rural Health program updates in the York County area, the public can tune in to WRHI’s Palmetto Mornings radio show every 3rd Thursday of the month to hear from Hannah and Lancaster Rural Health Agent, Elizabeth Parker.

Two York County new farmers, Miranda Taylor of Fort Mill and Amanda Taylor of York, successfully graduated from the Class of 2022 South Carolina New and Beginning Farmer Program (SCNBFP). This annual statewide Clemson Extension Agribusiness led program equips aspiring farmers with the tools and networks needed to develop and launch their farm businesses. The program, launched in 2011, has more than 450 alumni from across the state of South Carolina.

Registration for the 2023 cohort program is now open to any legal resident of South Carolina, at least 18 years of age, who is just beginning to farm or who has actively farmed for less than 10 consecutive years. As many as 50 applicants will be accepted for the 2023 cohort program. Additional information, including program outline, workshop schedule, fee structure and an online application can be found at www.scnewfarmer.org. The deadline to apply is February 20, 2023.

In addition to core cohort programming, 10 advanced new farmer workshops will be developed and delivered by Clemson Extension staff throughout the state. These workshops will offer important opportunities for peer and resource networking, as well as provide additional instruction on advanced agribusiness and production topics. All advanced workshops will run from September through November 2023 and are open to members of the cohort program as well as the public. A calendar of advanced programming workshops is posted on the SCNBFP website. 

“One in four South Carolina producers are considered new and beginning farmers with less than 10 years of experience,” says SCNBFP Director and Clemson Extension Agribusiness Agent Ben Boyles. “These emerging farmers need targeted training and technical assistance to make sure they have the skills necessary to sustain and grow their new farm businesses. Our program helps participants accelerate the development of their farm business so they can accomplish their goals faster while helping to improve access to healthy, locally produced food for South Carolina consumers.”

The 2022 York, Chester, and Lancaster Master Gardener class saw 29 new graduates completing the course. This was the largest class since 2010 in York County.

Master Gardeners contributed 5,430 volunteer hours in 2022.  Visit www.yorkmg.org to see projects these valuable volunteers are involved with.

Want more info?
Contact: Paul Thompson
Phone: 803-639-9101
Email: pthmpsn@clemson.edu

York County Urban Horticulture Agent, Paul Thompson, taught soon-to-be-released inmates to earn the South Carolina Certified Landscape Professional designation.

31 out of the 36 inmates completing the class passed the final exam, allowing these individuals to find gainful employment within the green industry.

Spartanburg Horticulture Agent Drew Jeffers and Paul were invited to present this project to the Southern Region American Society for Horticultural Science conference in Kansas City, Kansas on February 4, 2023.