Hands-On and In-Person

February 1, 2022

Chris LeMaster
Livestock & Forages Agent
Cherokee, Spartanburg, & York Counties

Who would have thought that would be the headline of an Extension program? Over the past two years, we’ve seen significant technology adoption by all of our clients as we adapted to COVID protocols. While this provided some unique opportunities to bring in outside speakers and an “anywhere and anytime” form of Extension, there has also been burnout of on-demand and online learning opportunities. While we seek to find a balance, we’ve realized the personal face-to-face aspect of our workshops and farm visits cannot be replicated or replaced by virtual learning.

Participants learn fencing techniques first-hand

This fall, I worked to provide opportunities for both learning styles. The online Fall Fescue Workshop was well-attended due to the convenience of logging on via smartphone during lunch. However, the hands-on, in-person Fence Construction Workshop was my favorite. Producers from across the state attended a day-long workshop with class time and hands-on demonstrations to learn the newest and most cost-effective fencing methods. The focus of the workshop was planning and laying out the most efficient fenceline to maximize pasture and minimize efforts for gathering animals, watering, grazing, and distributing nutrients. Participants left the workshop knowing how to properly construct a brace, tie hi-tensile knots, post and select wire, and much more. This program was a success from the generous help of industry sponsorship.

Participants enjoyed the hands-on approach

This winter, I plan to keep this balance of virtual and in-person programs through the Backyard Poultry Workshop, Equine Forage, Online Forage Focus, Cattlemen meetings, and the partnership with 4H in the Down on the Farm Day and the Cherokee County Spring Livestock Show. Our livestock team continues to generate numerous learning opportunities that can be found on the Clemson Extension Livestock and Forages Facebook page. As always, be sure to check Clemson’s Land Grant Press for peer-reviewed articles on various livestock topics. I hope to see you this winter, whether virtually or in-person, at a workshop or farm visit.