Sydney Rentz
Over the past four months, I have been getting established in my role as the Clemson Extension Area Livestock and Forages Agent, focusing on building relationships with producers, assessing local needs, and identifying opportunities to strengthen livestock and forage systems across Newberry, Laurens, and Greenwood Counties. This initial period has been spent meeting with farmers, visiting operations, and working to better understand the challenges and goals of our livestock community. These early efforts are laying the groundwork for future programming, on-farm support, and educational resources aimed at improving forage management, animal performance, and overall farm sustainability.
So far, some of my time has been invested in attending Cattlemen’s Association meetings in my coverage area, regional bull sales, and professional development conferences to stay connected with both producers and industry trends. These events have provided me with valuable insight into current cattle markets, soil and forage health and fertility, and management practices to share with my local producers. Participation in fellow Extension agents’ programs has also offered opportunities to observe successful programming efforts, gather new ideas, and strengthen collaborative relationships across counties. Together, these experiences are helping shape future livestock and forage programming to better serve local producers and support informed decision-making on their operations.
Looking ahead to 2026, I look forward to continuing to work alongside our livestock producers and supporting the growth and success of operations across Newberry, Laurens, and Greenwood Counties. Strengthening relationships, providing research-based information, and developing practical programming that meets local needs will remain a top priority of mine. Whether through on-farm visits, educational meetings, or collaborative events, my goal is to ensure producers have access to the tools and resources needed to improve their operations. I am excited for the opportunities ahead and appreciate the continued support and engagement from our livestock community.
