Tag: York County

The H5N1 assists extension professionals in maintaining their role as trusted messengers by keeping them up to date on research based H5N1 information. The project also provides agents with uniform key messages, adjusted recommendations as conditions change, and simple, easily adopted measures to help reduce the spread of H5N1. Tina Horn, York County Extension Livestock and Forage Agent is serving as the lead on this H5N1 EXCITE National Project Team.

The Extension Collaborative on Immunization Teaching and Engagement (EXCITE) is a national program of the Extension Foundation. One of EXCITE’s current projects is an H5N1 educational effort. Working with the National Center for Farmworker Health, CDC, and USDA NIFA, the EXCITE H5N1 National Project Team is providing educational resources and opportunities for extension professionals and agents working with dairy farmers and farmworkers. The goal is to increase their knowledge of H5N1 by educating them about human and animal health issues related to H5N1 and enhancing on-farm prevention practices to reduce H5N1 disease.

Tina Horne
Livestock and Forages Agent
State Dairy Program Coordinator
thorn@clemson.edu

Agribusiness Agent, Ben Boyles, was awarded a Mandela Washington Fellowship to travel to Ivory Coast in Africa in October of 2024. 

The Mandela Washington Fellowship Reciprocal Exchange enables United States universities to establish partnerships that broaden professional connections, foster lasting relationships, expand agricultural markets and enhance mutual understanding in Africa.

Boyles partnered with NC State Horticultural Science professor Dr. Carlos Iglesias to participate in the reciprocal scientist exchange program during the week of Oct. 5 – 12, 2024, hosted by Dev-Agri, an emerging Ivory Coast agribusiness company. They visited a series of project sites to evaluate agricultural conditions and discuss opportunities and challenges with Dev-Agri, the Ivorian government and smallholder farmers.

During their time in country it was evident that there is no shortage of opportunity for growth in the agricultural sector not only for the Ivory Coast, but the entire region as well.

“The Ivory Coast has significant potential for food production and could become self-sufficient, even supplying substantial amounts of food to neighboring countries,” says Iglesias. “There is an abundance of idle land, available labor, and demand for food. What is needed is capital to support technological and logistical advancements.”

Boyles and Iglesias look forward to hosting representatives from the Ivory Coast in 2025, to continue to build relationships and explore opportunities for mutual learning.

150 new and beginning farmers from across South Carolina (including York County) learned about organizations and programs to support their farm business during the full day SC Farmer Resource Rodeo that was held in January in Columbia, SC. Participants heard short presentations from representatives from over 35 farm-focused resource organizations to learn about their programs and projects, met one-on-one with organization representatives by visiting their information tables during the event, heard from an established farmer, and established connections that will help their farm business grow!

4-H Journalism Project Takes Off
This fall, we launched the York County 4-H Journalism Project, giving youth the opportunity to dive into the world of media and storytelling. Participants are learning about interviewing, photography, and article writing while covering local 4-H events. Through this project, they are developing valuable communication skills and gaining hands-on experience in journalism. We look forward to seeing their stories come to life and sharing their work with the community!

Celebrating Agriculture Month
November was all about agriculture in York County 4-H! As part of Agriculture Month, we hosted special activities highlighting the importance of farming and local food production. Our 4-H’ers participated in farm visits, hands-on workshops, and educational sessions about livestock, crops, and sustainability. This month-long celebration reinforced the vital role agriculture plays in our daily lives and inspired youth to explore careers in the ag industry.

York County 4-H at the SC Women in Agriculture Conference
Nine York County 4-H’ers and 4-H alumni had the incredible opportunity to attend the 2025 South Carolina Women in Agriculture Conference. This event provided valuable networking, mentorship, and learning experiences for our young leaders interested in agriculture. Their participation highlights the impact of 4-H in fostering future agricultural professionals and advocates.

Swine Project Nears Completion
We are nearing the end of our annual Swine Project, with over 80 pigs in this year’s program. This initiative continues to grow, offering youth hands-on experience in animal care, responsibility, and agricultural education. We are excited to see the project’s continued expansion and the skills our participants develop along the way.

Celebrating 2025 SC Miss 4-H: Dacy Freeman
A big congratulations to Dacy Freeman, who has been named the 2025 South Carolina Miss 4-H! Her dedication to 4-H and leadership within the program exemplify the best of what 4-H has to offer. We are proud to have her represent York County at the state level.
Robinson McDaniel and Jethro Yost were also crowned at the 2025 SC 4-H Showcase. Both youth are York County 4-Hers.

Looking Ahead

As we move into the summer, we are excited about the day-camp and overnight camp opportunities that York County 4-H’ers will have. These experiences provide youth with unforgettable learning, leadership, and outdoor adventure opportunities. Thank you to everyone who supports York County 4-H—we couldn’t do it without you!

Kristin Kunde 
York County 4-H Agent 
Cooperative Extension
Clemson University

120 N. Congress St.
York, SC 29745

w 803-639-9102
kkunde@clemson.edu

The holiday season is a time of giving, reflection, and spreading joy, and the York County 4-H Teen Council embraced this spirit wholeheartedly with their recent Toy Mission project. Demonstrating the values of leadership, teamwork, and service, the youth council collected $375 to purchase toys for children at Levine Children’s Hospital. This heartwarming initiative showcased the power of 4-H’s “learn by doing” philosophy, providing our young leaders with a hands-on opportunity to make a meaningful impact.

Turning an Idea into Action

The Toy Mission began with the teens identifying a need in their community: brightening the lives of children facing medical challenges during the holiday season. Motivated by their collective desire to help, the council organized a fundraiser and raised $375 through their hard work and dedication. This initiative was not just about raising money but about learning how to plan, communicate, and execute a real-world project—skills that will serve these youth well throughout their lives.

Teamwork in Action at Walmart

With their funds in hand, the teens headed to Walmart with a mission to maximize their impact. Dividing into small teams, they worked together to create a plan, prioritize items, and stretch their budget as far as possible. This experience provided valuable lessons in collaboration, critical thinking, and budgeting. The youth carefully selected toys, art supplies, and games, ensuring their choices would bring joy to children of all ages. Once the toys were purchased, the Teen Council members gathered to wrap each gift. This step was more than just preparing the toys for delivery; it was an opportunity for the teens to add a personal touch and reflect on the joy their efforts would bring. The room buzzed with excitement as festive paper transformed the items into beautiful presents.

Delivering Smiles to Levine Children’s Hospital

The final step of the mission was perhaps the most rewarding: hand-delivering the wrapped gifts to Levine Children’s Hospital. The teens’ visit was filled with smiles, gratitude, and the knowledge that their efforts had brought a little extra joy to the hospital’s young patients and their families. It was a moment of connection and service that left a lasting impact on both the youth and the community they served.

Learning by Doing: The Heart of 4-H

The Toy Mission exemplifies what 4-H is all about: learning by doing. Through this project, the York County 4-H Teen Council not only made a difference in their community but also gained invaluable life skills. They learned how to organize a fundraiser, plan and manage a budget, work as a team, and give back with empathy and purpose. These real-world experiences help build strong, confident leaders who are ready to tackle challenges and make a positive impact wherever they go.

Looking Ahead

The success of the Toy Mission has inspired the Teen Council to think about future service projects that continue to embody the 4-H pledge to “pledge my hands to larger service.” As we reflect on this meaningful initiative, we are reminded of the importance of empowering our youth to lead with compassion and action.

To learn more about the York County 4-H Teen Council or to get involved with 4-H, contact our local office or visit York County 4-H’s website. Together, we can continue to nurture the leaders of tomorrow while making a difference today.

Kristin Kunde 

York County 4-H Agent 
Cooperative Extension
Clemson University

120 N. Congress St.

York, SC 29745

w 803-639-9102
kkunde@clemson.edu

It’s been an exciting and busy few months for York County 4-H, and we’re thrilled to share some of the incredible milestones, achievements, and upcoming events that have kept our 4-H family thriving.

A Look Back: Achievements and Milestones

Over the past six months, York County 4-H has seen tremendous growth and enthusiasm, with over 500 registered members taking part in various projects and events that span our five program areas: STEM, Agriculture, Healthy Lifestyles, Civic Engagement, and Natural Resources. Here are just a few highlights from recent months:

Summer Camps: Fun, Learning, and Adventure

This past summer, York County 4-H offered a variety of engaging and educational summer camps that provided youth with opportunities to explore new interests, build friendships, and develop important life skills. From agriculture-focused camps, where participants learned hands-on about animal care and gardening, to STEM camps that sparked creativity and problem-solving, there was something for everyone. One of the highlights was our outdoor adventure camp, where youth enjoyed fishing, team-building activities, and learning about natural resources. These camps not only helped 4-H’ers gain knowledge but also created lasting memories and fostered a love for learning in a fun and supportive environment. We can’t wait to see what next summer holds!

York County 4-H Banquet

On August 29th, we gathered at 145 Blackburn St. in York, SC, for the 2024 York County 4-H Banquet. This event celebrated the dedication and achievements of our 4-H’ers, with 177 awards presented to members who excelled in their respective projects. A total of 75 youth were recognized for their outstanding efforts, and we had the honor of hearing from McKenna Johnson, a York County 4-H Alumna who is now studying at Clemson University. She inspired everyone in attendance by sharing her 4-H journey and the impact it had on her life. We also heard from Gavin Lewis, our 2023-2024 Teen Council President, who reflected on the past year and looked forward to the bright future ahead for York County 4-H. 

Multi-Species Showmanship Clinic and Supreme Showman Contest

This summer, York County 4-H hosted a Multi-Species Showmanship Clinic, providing our youth with hands-on training in showing a variety of animals, including cattle, goats, poultry, and swine. Participants had the chance to work with experienced mentors, learning the skills needed to handle and present different species in a competitive setting. This clinic culminated in the highly anticipated Supreme Showman Contest, where our talented 4-H’ers showcased their skills in front of judges, competing for the prestigious title of Supreme Showman. The contest not only tested their knowledge and abilities across multiple species but also demonstrated their dedication, hard work, and versatility as livestock exhibitors. This event proved to be one of the most challenging yet rewarding opportunities for our 4-H youth to demonstrate their mastery of showmanship and animal care. Congratulations to Senior 4-Her, Mattie Johnson, for being awarded this year’s Grand Champion in our Supreme Showman Contest.

Fall Livestock Show

The highly anticipated Fall Livestock Show was held on September 6th and 7th in Rock Hill. This event continues to be a highlight for our members who raise livestock, as well as a fantastic opportunity for the broader community to see firsthand the hard work our youth put into caring for their animals. Over 100 youth from all over the county gathered to show their livestock. Shows included Dairy Cattle, Dairy Goats, Horses, Poultry, and Meat Goats. We were honored to have the continued support of Councilman Tommy Adkins, who backed this event, and Councilwoman Christi Cox, who showed her support for the Dairy Goat project. These relationships between our 4-H members and local leaders demonstrate the strong ties we’ve built within the community.

Introducing the 4-H Bluegrass Project

We are thrilled to announce the launch of our brand-new 4-H Bluegrass Project, a unique opportunity for youth to dive into the world of Bluegrass music while developing leadership skills and a sense of community. This project has been a dream in the making for nearly two years, and we are excited to finally kick it off! Bluegrass music holds a special place in many of our lives, and through this project, we hope to share that passion with the next generation. Participants will not only learn to play and appreciate Bluegrass music but also gain valuable skills such as teamwork, confidence, and public speaking. The project will culminate in a trip to the SPBGMA (Society for the Preservation of Bluegrass Music of America) in Nashville, TN, where members will experience the heart of the Bluegrass community. This project is sure to be an unforgettable experience, combining music, leadership, and community service in true 4-H spirit!

Stay Tuned for More!

As we head into the fall, we encourage everyone to stay connected with York County 4-H through our newsletters and social media pages. With so many exciting projects, events, and opportunities on the horizon, we can’t wait to see what the future holds for our 4-H’ers. Whether it’s through leadership, community service, or showcasing their skills in competitions, York County 4-H youth are proving they have what it takes to succeed and make a positive impact.

Thank you to all of our volunteers, sponsors, and supporters for making these incredible experiences possible. Your dedication to York County 4-H helps ensure that we continue to “make the best better” for our community.

We look forward to seeing everyone at our upcoming events!

Kristin Kunde

York County 4-H Agent
Cooperative Extension
Clemson University

120 N. Congress Street
York, SC 29745

803-639-9102
kkunde@clemson.edu