Abbeville County Extension Service

South Carolina 4-H Area Dairy Showmanship Clinics
Ready to build your confidence in the show ring? Whether you're preparing for your first dairy show or looking to fine-tune your skills, these hands-on clinics are for you!
Join us for one of our Area Dairy Showmanship Clinics, where you'll receive practical instruction on the fundamentals of dairy cattle showmanship. More experienced exhibitors will have the opportunity to polish their techniques with personalized coaching.
Each clinic includes:
✅ Hands-on showmanship practice with your heifer
✅ Tips to improve ring presence and animal handling
✅ Individual instruction for all experience levels
✅ A Q&A session covering show preparation, equipment, etiquette, and more

Clinic Dates & Locations
📍 Wednesday, August 12, 2026
Abbeville County Extension Office
265 Industrial Park Rd.
Abbeville, SC 29620
https://tinyurl.com/32pj6zdw
📍 Wednesday, August 19, 2026
Orangeburg County Fairgrounds
350 Magnolia St.
Orangeburg, SC 29115
https://tinyurl.com/4ct6ea5f
📍 Monday, August 24, 2026
Union County Fairgrounds
120 Kirby St.
Union, SC 29379
https://tinyurl.com/4z5jucy6

Time: 5:30–7:00 PM

Bring your heifer and come ready to learn! These clinics are a great opportunity to gain hands-on experience, ask questions, and prepare for the upcoming show season.

Registration is required. Make sure that you sign up for the clinic that you are going to attend!

Registration is open for the SC 4-H Wildlife Food Plot Project 🌱🦌
Ever watched a kid stare at a phone on a beautiful fall afternoon and wondered how to pull them back outside? You're not alone and it's not for lack of trying. Screens are built to win that fight.
That's exactly the gap the Wildlife Food Plot Project was built to close. Your 4-H'er plants real seed, in real dirt, tends a real plot through the seasons, and watches real wildlife show up because of work their own hands did.
We've spent years in the field with South Carolina families, blending Extension's land-grant science with 4-H's hands-on approach so this isn't just a worksheet about nature. It's an invitation into it.
By spring, your kid won't just have a record book. They'll have patience, stewardship, and a story about the deer that found their food plot first.
Register now → https://2026WildlifeFoodPlot.eventbrite.com
📍 Kickoff & Workshops: Sat, Aug 29 | Interlaken Wildlife Center, Camden, SC

The countdown is on! In just one month, we'll be talking all things Dove Field Management—from regulations and planting strategies to creating productive fields that attract birds and provide excellent hunting opportunities.

Whether you're establishing your first dove field or looking to improve an existing one, this program is packed with practical, research-based information you can put to use this season.

The deadline to register is August 17th. Use the link below to reserve your spot!

https://www.eventbrite.com/e/dove-field-management-from-regulations-to-results-registration-1989670813965?aff=oddtdtcreator

Last night, we officially kicked off the 52nd year of the South Carolina 4-H Dairy Heifer Project! This incredible program continues to provide youth with hands-on experiences, leadership opportunities, and lifelong skills in the dairy industry.
This year, 15 family-owned dairies from across the Southeast generously donated heifers, making it possible for 37 South Carolina 4-H youth to participate in the project—including 23 first-time participants! We are excited to welcome so many new families to this amazing tradition.
The evening was filled with learning and hands-on activities. Youth participated in a mock Junior Herdsman Contest, putting their dairy knowledge to the test while learning new skills along the way—even some of our returning participants discovered something new! They also gained valuable hands-on experience by learning how to properly administer a vaccine, estimate their calf's weight using a weight tape, and discuss dairy nutrition and herd health with Dr. Emily Waggoner.
One of the most anticipated moments of the night was the calf draw, where participants reached into historic milk cans to draw the number of the calf they will care for throughout the next 20 months. The excitement in the room was contagious!
The SC 4-H Dairy Heifer Project Committee cannot wait to see the growth, learning, and accomplishments this year's participants will achieve.
A heartfelt thank you goes to:
-The 15 family-owned dairies that generously donated heifers to make this project possible.
- Dr. Emily Waggoner for sharing her expertise, helping vaccinate the calves, and educating our youth on dairy nutrition and animal health.
-Boehringer Ingelheim for their generous donation of vaccines to help ensure these heifers get off to a healthy start.
Here's to another incredible year of learning, leadership, and caring for these outstanding animals. We can't wait to follow this year's participants on their Dairy Heifer Project journey!

📣 Reminder! SC Meat Goat Project Summer Clinic – Don't Miss It! 🐐

Mark your calendars for Monday, July 27, 2026, at the Laurens Ag Center!

This is your LAST opportunity to tag in goats for the SC Meat Goat Project!
🕓 Tag-In Begins at 4:00 PM

🏆 Fitting Contest – 5:00 PM
Open to all youth! Participants will fit one side of their goat. This contest is usually held at a different event, so don't miss this unique opportunity! The prizes are fantastic, and it's a great chance to showcase your fitting skills.

🎯 Showmanship Clinic – 6:00 PM
Whether you're a first-year exhibitor or a seasoned showman, this clinic is for all ages and skill levels. Come sharpen your showmanship skills and pick up tips that will help you in the show ring!

We can't wait to see everyone there for an evening of learning, competition, and fun. Be sure to spread the word and we'll see you at the Laurens Ag Center on July 27! 🐐🌟

Mark Your Calendars!

The Abbeville County Livestock Show is just around the corner! Come out and support our hardworking youth as they showcase their animals.

Friday, September 4
Poultry Show – 5:30 PM
Dairy Show – 6:00 PM

Saturday, September 5
Beef Show – 9:00 AM
Rabbit Show – 10:00 AM
Meat Goat exhibitors must have their animals weighed in by 3:30 PM.

We invite everyone to come cheer on our exhibitors and see all the hard work they've put into preparing for this year's show. We look forward to seeing you there!

https://showman.app/shows #/abbeville-county-livestock-show-36fe

Remember, if you need a list of all the livestock shows happening in South Carolina, please visit this website  https://docs.google.com/document/d/1syP75ExZBuhFJf9oZtiqfzCf6HReuL6t2XUJtwNHLAo/edit?usp=drivesdk

A huge thank you to Abbeville County for the purchase of shavings for our arena. And a another huge thank you to Austin Landreth and Jenny Landreth for coming out with your equipment to spread them!

This is a superstar