Bryan Smith, Area Extension Agent-Agricultural Engineer
SC State Regulation R.61-43 requires all confined animal facility operators to attend the Confined Animal Manure Manager (CAMM) certification program provided by Clemson Extension. The CAMM team has worked hard to provide trainings for South Carolina’s confined animal facility operators this year. From July 1, 2024 through June 30, 2025 Bryan Smith (Laurens), Brian Beer (Lancaster), Lee van Vlake (Florence), and Amber Starnes (Chesterfield) worked together to offer two initial, full day trainings and also worked with local county agents across the state to provide 65 recertification trainings including 53 in-person trainings and 12 online Zoom trainings.
Presenters included Bryan Smith, Dr. Julie Helm (Livestock Poultry Health), Dr. John Chastain (Clemson University), Dr. Sean Eastman (Livestock Poultry Health), Lee van Vlake, Brian Beer, and Tonya O’Cain (SCDES). Topics included “Crop Utilization of Manure Nutrients and Soil Fertility,” “Vectors and Vector Control,” “Horse Manure Issues and Management,” “Mortality and Composting,” “Energy Saving Opportunities for Swine Facilities,” “Beef Grazing Systems and Water Quality Protection,” “Poultry Litter Fertilization for Hybrid Bermudagrass,” and “Tunnel Ventilation & Evaporative Cooling: Heat Stress Reduction, Performance, and Energy Use,” as well as several others.
597 growers attended the in-person recertification trainings and 435 growers attended the online recertification trainings. 60 growers attended the two initial, full-day trainings.
The team plans to offer two initial, full-day trainings in February 2026 and a slate of recertification trainings for our growers from January through March 2026 and another slate from late April through August 2026. More information about the training program may be found at www.clemson.edu/camm .
Chris LeMaster Livestock & Forage Agent Cherokee, Spartanburg, & Union Counties
Over 97% of US farms are family-owned, and less than one-third have a formal succession plan.
Let’s try to imagine a business that is worth over a million dollars in assets and holdings. A new investor/partner has started with the company and scheduled a meeting with the CEO/Founder to discuss the transition plan. The CEO obliges, but instead of meeting in an office, they meet at the CEO’s kitchen table. The table is covered with invoices, receipts, seed, parts list and so forth. During the meeting, the CEO’s phone constantly rings with calls about fences, hay, and other “urgencies.” Both parties are beginning to wonder if this is a waste of time; unfortunately, the meeting gets cut short by an issue with a hay baler in the field. No progress was made.
This is a common scene in our family-run farms. Everyone would agree that developing a succession plan is a high-value task for our farm families. Still, the small, less valuable task often takes precedence due to its perceived urgency.
On September 21st, there were over 75 farmers at the succession planning workshop in Pacolet, South Carolina. Speakers from FSA, SC land, and Clemson Extension gave farm families the tools necessary to get started with this vital task. We covered much ground but only scratched the surface of these critical topics. We are working on suggestions and feedback for the next installment of this workshop series. There were farmers from several counties in our region, and we had a great deal of support from our sponsors.
We look forward to equipping farmers now so these farms will still be in farmland tomorrow. Farms are businesses, and successful businesses need a good plan for carrying on to the next generation.
Haven Blackwell 4-H Youth & Development Agent Cherokee County
Cherokee County 4-H is excited to announce the launch of our new Teen Council club, a group designed to empower young people to become leaders in their communities and beyond. With a focus on community service, career exploration, and civic engagement, this club offers teens meaningful opportunities to grow while making a positive impact right here at home.
Our Teen Council currently consists of six dedicated teens who are already hard at work planning their first community service project. In partnership with a local soup kitchen, the club is developing a way to serve those in need and learn firsthand the importance of giving back. This project will not only benefit our neighbors but also help members gain valuable skills in leadership, organization, and teamwork.
Beyond community service, Teen Council will also focus on career exploration and civic engagement. Members will have the chance to:
Explore different career paths through guest speakers, workshops, and hands-on experiences.
Learn what it means to be an active and productive citizen.
Develop leadership skills that will serve them throughout their lives.
We are currently looking for more teens who want to be a part of this exciting new club. If you are passionate about making a difference, curious about future careers, or eager to get involved in your community, we invite you to join us!
For more information or to get involved with the Cherokee County 4-H Teen Council or any of our other opportunities, please contact your 4-H agent, Haven Blackwell, at daynab@clemson.edu or (864) 649-8252. Together, we can Make the Best Better.
Three talented teen members of Spartanburg County 4-H recently took their cooking skills—and their 4-H journey—to the next level. They earned a coveted spot at the National 4-H Food Challenge Competition, held at the State Fair of Texas!
Ada Jarrett, John Jarrett, and Anna Vidrine have been active in Spartanburg County 4-H since their Cloverbud years. Over the past two years, this dynamic trio has sharpened their culinary skills by attending the South Carolina 4-H Cooking Like a Chef Summit and leading the Spartanburg County 4-H Cooking Like a Chef Camp.
In April, the team, joined by fellow member Micah Marsh, competed in the South Carolina Team Cooking Challenge and placed third statewide. That strong finish opened the door for Ada, John, and Anna to represent South Carolina on the national stage.
All summer long, the team met weekly to practice preparing appetizers, main dishes, and side dishes. Their dedication paid off. While they did not place in the top three, they proudly represented both our county and our state—making history as the first Spartanburg County 4-H Cooking Team to compete nationally!
We are incredibly proud of these youth and excited to see where their skills and leadership take them next. Their success marks just the beginning of a growing 4-H Cooking Program in Spartanburg County.
If you would like to support opportunities like this—whether by volunteering to lead a club or sponsoring the cost of ingredients for monthly meetings—please contact Spartanburg County 4-H Agent, Laura Haddon. Together, we can help even more young people discover their potential through 4-H.
Fairfield County 4-H is excited to announce the launch of the Seeds of Success: Youth Agri-Business Builders program, a new initiative designed to inspire the next generation of agricultural leaders and entrepreneurs. The program will be hosted in partnership with Set in Stone Sustainability Farm and the South Carolina Department of Agriculture’s ACRE program, with support from the Fairfield County Chamber of Commerce and others.
High school students from across Fairfield County will have the opportunity to apply and participate in this innovative program. Through a series of hands-on workshops, leadership development activities, and business-building experiences, students will learn valuable skills in agribusiness, entrepreneurship, and sustainability.
At the conclusion of the program, one top participant will be named the Seeds of Success Winner. This winner will receive over $1,000 in conference scholarships and prizes, including a $200 cash award, to further support their growth as a young leader in agriculture.
“This program is about equipping our youth with the tools and confidence they need to think like entrepreneurs, problem solvers, and leaders in agriculture,” said 4-H Youth Development Agent, Martina Wicker. “We are thrilled to partner with organizations who share our vision of investing in the future of Fairfield County.”
Applications are open now and are due by September 26. Interested students may apply through Fairfield County 4-H, and spots will be available for youth from each high school in the county.
Fairfield County 4-H extends its gratitude to Set in Stone Sustainability Farm, the South Carolina Department of Agriculture’s ACRE program, and the Fairfield County Chamber of Commerce for their partnership and support in making Seeds of Success possible.
For more information about the program or to access the application, please contact Fairfield County 4-H at (864) 985-2904 or mewick@clemson.edu.
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!
