Clemson Extension

Join us tonight at 7PM on South Carolina ETV for the next episode of Making It Grow! 🌲🐴

Following the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s recent confirmation of New World Screwworm in Texas and New Mexico, Clemson Livestock Poultry Health and the Department of Pesticide Regulation are encouraging livestock owners, veterinarians and animal health professionals to remain vigilant while emphasizing that South Carolina is actively preparing for the potential threat.

USDA confirms New World Screwworm in Texas, New Mexico; Clemson officials outline South Carolina preparedness efforts While NWS is currently only detected in the Southwestern U.S., South Carolina preparations include working closely with federal partners, veterinarians, livestock producers and industry stakeholders to ensure the state is prepared should the pest move eastward.

The deadline to apply for the South Carolina Disaster Relief Block Grant for Hurricane Helene is less than one month away. 🌀

Applicants are encouraged to gather documentation as soon as possible and review the step-by-step application guide and 15-minute demo video for help with applying.

Helene Grant Resources ➡️ agriculture.sc.gov/helene

As part of the 2026 South Carolina 4-H Pinckney Leadership Conference, students attended a Pulses 4-Health workshop led by Professor Dil Thavarajah. 🍀

Through lectures, lab exercises and a visit to the Clemson greenhouses, youth leaders learned more about pulse crops, plant breeding and healthy diets. 🫛

Read More ➡️ https://blogs.clemson.edu/cafls/high-school-students-learn-the-science-behind-pulses-4-health/

Three Clemson Extension Agents joined the A. Frank Lever Hall of Fame during the 2026 Induction Ceremony. The Lever Hall of Fame recognizes individuals who have made lasting contributions to Extension programs and South Carolina agriculture. 💚 👏

Congratulations to the 2026 Inductees -
Raymond Sligh
John Irwin
William R. “Rusty” Thomson

Learn More 👉 https://news.clemson.edu/three-clemson-extension-leaders-inducted-into-lever-hall-of-fame/

Peach season is underway in South Carolina. Across the state, roadside stands, farmers’ markets and grocery stores are filling with fresh local peaches. 🍑

What many consumers don’t realize is that just a few decades ago, much of the Southeast’s peach industry faced an uncertain future.

Learn More 👇

The roots of South Carolina's peach season How Clemson research helped protect one of the Southeast's signature crops.

The Clemson Extension Oak Tree Health Webinar Series begins June 15! 🌳💻

This three-part series focuses on oak tree stressors and pests, including oak wilt. Proper field sampling techniques will be discussed and SC Pesticide credits are included.

Register today ➡️ https://www.eventbrite.com/e/oak-tree-health-webinar-series-tickets-1990801382526

According to Food Systems and Safety Director Kimberly Baker, the safest way to quickly defrost non vacuum-sealed salmon is to place the amount you plan to cook in a sealed zip-top bag and submerge it in cold, running water.

"Cold-water thawing helps the salmon defrost quickly while minimizing bacterial growth and preserving the texture and quality of the fish." 🍣

The Safest Ways to Quickly Defrost Salmon, According to Experts Food safety experts share how to quickly defrost salmon in 30 minutes or less for vacuum-sealed and fresh-frozen fish, plus the common thawing mistakes to avoid.

As traditional farming faces increasing pressure from labor shortages, volatile weather, rising input costs and shrinking profit margins, controlled environment agriculture could offer South Carolina growers a new path forward. 🌱

Clemson scientist aims to redefine agriculture Clemson University scientist Patrick Wechter sees controlled environment agriculture as a new path forward for South Carolina.

Across the state, a disease known as Fusarium wilt is rapidly taking hold, leaving strawberry farmers scrambling for answers and fearing heavy losses. Now they’re contacting Clemson Extension scientists to help determine a solution. 🍓

Unusual weather fuels devastating strawberry decline across South Carolina Across the state, a disease known as Fusarium wilt is rapidly taking hold, leaving strawberry farmers scrambling for answers and fearing heavy losses. They're contacting Clemson Extension scientists to help determine a solution.