Hello all! My name is Sydney Rentz! I am beyond excited to start as the new Area Livestock Agent for Newberry, Laurens, and Greenwood Counties! I am from Ehrhardt, South Carolina, where I grew up on my family’s beef stocker cattle, row crop, and custom harvesting operation. I recently graduated from Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College (ABAC) in May where I earned my Bachelor of Science in Agriculture with a concentration in Livestock Production and a minor in Agribusiness. While at ABAC, my studies focused on beef and dairy cattle production, and I was able to gain hands-on knowledge about both through classes and internships. I also served as the 2024-2025 Secretary for the ABAC Cattlemen’s Association. Once again, I am excited to join the Clemson Extension Family, and I look forward to serving Newberry, Laurens, and Greenwood Counties to the best of my ability!
As summer winds down, we’re reflecting on the fun, friendships, and learning that filled our 4-H days. We are thrilled to share that all of our Newberry County 4-H summer camps sold out and were a huge success!
This year’s lineup included:
Engineer Camp – 4-H’ers competed for two days in teams of four to take on exciting engineer challenges.
Crafty Clovers Art Camp – A full day of creativity and fun with pottery, painting, and more hands-on art projects.
Crochet Camp – With the help of our amazing volunteers, 4-H’ers learned basic crochet techniques learning to make granny squares and dish rags.
Camp 4-H – Our Cloverbuds spent three days exploring Natural Resources and Agriculture through engaging activities and outdoor fun.
Farm Tour Camp – We toured local farms and learned more about agriculture right here in our community.
Crafty Clovers Art CampFarm Tour Camp
In addition to our camp fun, three of our senior-aged 4-H’ers attended SC 4-H Congress at Clemson University this summer. They had opportunities to engage in leadership activities, experience college life firsthand, and build lasting connections with 4-H friends from across the state.
Newberry 4-H’ers at SC 4-H Congress
We’re so proud of everything our 4-H’ers accomplished this summer and can’t wait to see what the 2025–2026 4-H year brings!
The Newberry County Forestry Association hosted their 20th biennial Forestry Focus program on Saturday, March 15, 2025. For those who are not familiar with Forestry Focus, it is an all-day event that will run from 9:00 am to 3:30 pm. This year we had over 60 people in attendance to learn about a variety of topics related to forestry and natural resources.
Laurens County Spotlight on Agriculture
Laurens County Spotlight on Agriculture recognizes all the agricultural producers in the county. This year Bruce Davidson was awarded the Laurens County Woodlands Manager of the year.
Growing our Future
Growing our Future is a valued gathering for the forest management community.This program is designed for professionals as well as landowners. This year the program was held May 7 at the Phillips Market Center at the SC State Farmers Market. There were over 150 people in attendance.
Woodland Clinic
Every year I get the opportunity to help with the woodland clinic. This is a great program that offers FFA chapters and 4-H clubs the opportunity to compete in forestry skills. Teams compete in tree measurement, tool identification, tree identification, and compass and pacing.
Master Tree Farmer Field Tour
On May 16, we hosted a field tour for the Master Tree Farmer participants. The tour was hosted at Mike Meetze tree farm where participants got to see various forest management techniques that has be implemented on his farm. We had about 15 in attendance.
Master Tree Farmer participants at Mike Meetze tree farm.
Nature Hike at Chester State Park with 4-H
Had the opportunity to lead a trail hike with Robert Carter for a 4-H summer day camp at Chester State Park. Participants learned about the forest that the trail navigates through.
Newberry Soil and Water Mobile Lab Gardening Program
Assist with providing a program on soil sampling and how to interpret a soil analysis.
July 11, 2025 – Fall Gardens and soil health
September 25, 2025 – Winter gardens and soil health
Newberry Soil and Water Mobile Lab
Newberry Forestry Association
May 13, 2025 – Drew Fasano with Arborgen presented on alternative spacing using high end genetics to reduce pulpwood and maximize sawtimber.
August 12, 2025 – Seth Sofferin with Quail Forever presented on a cost share program that they are offering to landowners.
Newberry Forestry Association
Laurens Forest Landowners Association
May 27, 2025 – Dr. Patrick Hiesl presented on the economics of portable sawmills for a landowner.
August 26, 2025 — Seth Sofferin with Quail Forever presented on a cost share program that they are offering to landowners.
Laurens Forestry Association
Edisto Research and Education Center — This past year the Forestry and Natural Resource Team has been more involved in timber management at Edisto REC.
Prescribed Burn
Tree Planting – Planted a long leaf pine for a silvo-pasture demonstration.
Silva-Pasture Demonstration – thinned some trees to open alley ways that will be planted for grazing, along with opening another stand to plant grasses under trees.
Prescribed burn at Edisto REC
Solar Kiln
Had the opportunity to help Dr. Patrick Hiesl build a solar kiln for some research that he will be conducted. This solar kiln is designed for small scale use with portable sawmills.
Solar Kiln
4-H Shooting Sports Trailer The 4-H Shooting Sports Trailer has been busy the last few months. We use the trailer to raise funds for our 4-H Shooting Sports Program. We have been fortunate to raise enough funds to purchase and maintain our supplies, so the participants do not have to pay any extra fees for the clubs.
Walker Days – February 21-22, 2025
Camp Conservation – June 20, 2025
4-H Shooting Sports Trailer
Upcoming Events:
Union County Agricultural Fair – October 14-18, 2025
Union County 5K Day at the Fair – October 16, 2025
A new 4-H year is here, and we couldn’t be more excited for all the opportunities, adventures, and learning experiences ahead! Newberry County 4-H is thrilled to announce that we will be offering 11 amazing clubs starting this September—there’s something for every interest and age group.
This year’s club lineup includes:
Clovers in the Kitchen
Kids in the Kitchen
Seniors in the Kitchen
Clovers STEM Club
Kids STEM Club
Teen Council
Needleworks Club
Homeschool Club
Sharpshooters Air Rifle Club
Shellshockers Shotgun Club
Eagles Shotgun Club
We’re also growing in more ways than one! This year, eight schools in Newberry County will be participating in our School Garden Program. These schools will receive four plant deliveries throughout the year so their students can enjoy hands-on planting and gardening right at school.
School Garden Program
And we can’t forget one of our favorite spring traditions—the 4-H Embryology Project! We’ll be working with local schools to give students an up-close look at the life cycle of a chicken, from egg to fluffy chick.
Of course, that’s just the beginning. We’ll be offering fun camps and hands-on workshops throughout the year, so keep an eye out for announcements—you won’t want to miss a thing.
Here’s to another year of growing leaders, building friendships, and making memories in Newberry County 4-H!
As we begin a new 4-H year in Greenville County, members have an exciting opportunity to showcase their growth and achievements through updated 4-H portfolios. These portfolios not only serve as a valuable record for future college applications but also offer a chance to earn county awards and prepare for the State Portfolio submission. An interview component will be held in the spring, required for senior members and optional for juniors. Cloverbuds are encouraged to participate by reciting the 4-H pledge alongside their submission. Portfolio guidelines for junior and senior members are available on the Greenville County 4-H website, where they can be downloaded or requested as a printed copy. Start your 4-H story today and make this year one to remember!
By: Camilla Herndon, Rural Health and Nutrition Agent
Health Extension for Diabetes has resumed in Greenville County! The first in-person cohort since 2019 kicked off in June 2025 with 7 participants. Health Extension for Diabetes (HED) is a free diabetes education and support program recognized by the American Diabetes Association as a practice-tested program. The goal of HED is to improve participants’ management of their diabetes to prevent or delay complications.
During this 4-month-long program, participants learn the necessary skills to successfully manage their diabetes across 8 education sessions. The HED curriculum covers the foundations of diabetes, creating balanced meals to stabilize one’s blood sugar, the role of physical activity in diabetes management, medications, problem-solving with diabetes, and connections to local resources for further support.
Eligible participants must be at least 18 years old, a South Carolina resident, and have a diagnosis of type 1 or type 2 diabetes. Folks interested in joining an HED cohort can sign up here or email Camilla at herndo3@clemson.edu. The program is also offered online and available for those whose primary language is Spanish.
The second annual summer program, Cloverbud Days, introduced our youngest group of 4-H’ers to all areas of our program. Due to its success and continued interest, we’re excited to announce the launch of a new club specifically for Cloverbud-aged members. This club will meet monthly at the Greenville Extension office on the third Thursday of each month. This summer also featured a Junior Master Gardener program in partnership with the summer camp at Front Porch Housing. With around 29 youth participants, this initiative engaged youth ages 5–18 in gardening and leadership through interactive outdoor activities. Additionally, our summer program at the Sterling Center introduced youth to the wide range of 4-H project areas and was a major success, drawing nearly 40 participants each week. None of these programs would have been possible without the incredible efforts of our 4-H program interns, Chloe Margeson and Mathilde Mitton, who planned, marketed, prepared, and implemented each of these initiatives. Their dedication and creativity were instrumental in making this summer a meaningful and enriching experience for all involved.
This year’s Greenville County Volunteer Conference was a resounding success! Held at Upstate Circle of Friends, the event brought together 25 enthusiastic participants representing five county programs. As the second annual gathering of its kind, the conference offered valuable training, resources, and networking opportunities to both new and returning volunteers. Attendees left feeling more prepared and inspired to lead their clubs and support 4-H programming throughout the upcoming year. We’re excited to continue this tradition next summer, further strengthening our volunteer community and enhancing the impact of 4-H in Greenville County.
The new 4-H year officially begins on September 1st in Greenville County, and we’re excited to launch with 15 active clubs serving youth across the region. Many of these clubs are led by dedicated volunteers who play a vital role in delivering high-quality programming and mentorship. Whether you’re a returning member or new to 4-H, you can explore all available clubs and find the right fit by visiting our newly updated website. We look forward to another impactful year of learning, leadership, and growth!
By: Andrew Jeffers, Greenville County Horticulture Agent
In 2026, Horticulture Agent Drew Jeffers is lining up a full slate of practical programs that meet learners where they are—on jobsites, in community spaces, and online. We open the year with a Tree Workshop on January 22 in Greer, a half-day deep dive designed for crews and managers who want fewer callbacks and healthier canopies. Sessions move from tree ID challenges to invasive species awareness, then into “plant this, not that” alternatives and the soil/site realities that make-or-break urban trees—each talk aimed at decisions you’ll make the next day.
February stacks training options for every audience. Growers and land managers can earn credentials at the Private Applicator session on February 3 (Greenville DHEC training room). Home gardeners get a focused, myth-busting Hydrangeas webinar on February 18. And turf professionals can spend February 26 in an Advanced Turf IPM Workshop that walks through communication with clients and crews, cultural practices that strengthen IPM, insect and disease ID, scouting and thresholds, and advanced weed management—seven hours that connect diagnosis to action, start to finish.
Looking ahead to fall, the Master Gardener main course runs August 4–November 17, bringing a new cohort into research-based horticulture with plenty of hands-on problem-solving. We’ll also gather the industry at the IPM Symposium on October 22 (Canon Centre, Greer) to compare notes, sharpen scouting and decision-making, and leave with steps that improve outcomes across the Upstate. A second Private Applicator date follows on November 5 for those needing certification before year’s end.
Along the way, Drew will share tailored talks with local garden clubs and appear at regional and national meetings—including ASHS (August), the EMG Conference (August), and iLandscape (February)—to keep our programs aligned with current science and the real-world questions people bring to the table. It’s a year built around one goal: practical learning that turns into better decisions, healthier landscapes, and confident clients across Greenville County and beyond.
