How Clemson Cooperative Extension Works in South Carolina
Clemson Cooperative Extension is the outreach arm of Clemson University, with an office in all 46 South Carolina counties. Its stated mission is to improve the economy, environment and well-being of South Carolinians through unbiased, research-based information and education. For a farmer with a sick cow, a parent signing a child up for 4-H, or a homeowner staring at a yellow lawn, the county Extension office is usually the right first call. The facts below come from the Clemson Extension About page and related Clemson pages, and programs and fees change, so confirm with your county office.
What Extension Covers
Extension's program areas are youth development, agribusiness, agriculture, food, nutrition and health, and natural resources. Its program teams include 4-H Youth Development, Agribusiness, Agricultural Education, Agronomy, the Expanded Food and Nutrition Education Program, Food Systems and Safety, Forestry and Wildlife, Horticulture, Livestock and Forages, Rural Health and Nutrition, and Water Resources. Extension is based at the state's two land-grant institutions, Clemson University and South Carolina State University, and says it supports the state's $51.8 billion agriculture and forestry industries.
Finding Your County Office
The County Office Directory lists all 46 counties alphabetically with address, city, ZIP and phone. Click your county on the map to reach its page. The statewide Extension office is at 103 Barre Hall, Clemson, SC 29634, phone 864-656-3382. Bring questions, soil samples, plant samples and photos, and ask about upcoming meetings in your area.
4-H Youth Development
South Carolina 4-H is open to youth ages 5 to 18, and the Get Involved page lists a $15 annual membership. Families register through 4HOnline by choosing South Carolina, then SC 4-H Youth Development, then their county. The 4-H year starts September 1. Program areas include:
- Agriculture and animals: cattle, horse, poultry, rabbit and swine, plus sheep and goat projects listed on the livestock page.
- Civic engagement: the Pinckney Leadership Program, Legislative Day and Ambassadors.
- Healthy living: cooking day camps and the Healthy Habits Summit.
- Natural resources: pollinators, shooting sports, small gardens, wildlife food plots and WHEP.
- STEM: listed as a program area.
The 2026-27 statewide calendar includes 4-H Day at the State Fair on October 17, 2026, a November 13 record book registration deadline, the Spring Dairy Show March 25 to 27, 2027 at the Garrison Arena in Pendleton, and Junior Weekend April 30 to May 2, 2027 in North Myrtle Beach. Adults can volunteer through the same 4HOnline system.
Farm, Livestock and Forage Help
The Livestock and Forages team lists these programs:
- Beef cattle: product evaluation, performance testing, records, marketing and parasite control through newsletters, meetings, workshops and farm visits.
- Forages: webinars, workshops and field days on establishment, management and profitability.
- Small ruminants: statewide workshops for sheep and goat producers.
- Equine: pasture management, nutrition, health and farm management for horse, donkey and mule owners.
- Backyard poultry: a series offered around the state as needed.
- CAMM: the Confined Animal Manure Managers program, a joint effort with state and federal partners.
Soil Testing
Soil tests go through the Clemson Agricultural Service Laboratory. Under its submitting guidelines, standard soil analysis costs $6.00 per sample. You can drop samples, the form and payment at your county Extension office for delivery to the lab at no added charge, ship them to the lab at 171 Old Cherry Rd, Clemson, or buy a $25 mailer that includes the bag, postage-paid envelope and one standard test. The Home and Garden Information Center advises collecting 8 to 10 or more cores per composite, sampling gardens to 6 inches and lawns to 2 to 4 inches, and keeping lawns, shrub beds and vegetable gardens separate. It says results arrive in 7 to 14 days.
Home, Garden and Master Gardeners
The Home and Garden Information Center answers plant and pest questions, and the lab lists its phone number as 1-888-656-9988. The Master Gardener program trains and uses volunteers to support local horticulture agents. Local coordinators cover areas from the Upstate to the coast, though not every county has a program.
Practical Tips
- Call before you drive. Ask which agent covers your topic and whether a meeting is coming up.
- Label every sample with your name, address and crop or planting.
- Join 4-H in September to catch the start of the club year, and register early for project deadlines.
- Ask your county office about livestock shows near you and the rules for your project.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many county offices are there?
One in each of South Carolina's 46 counties.
How much does 4-H cost?
The listed annual membership is $15.
Can I submit a soil test at my county office?
Yes. The lab says samples and payment dropped at the county Extension office are delivered to the lab at no additional charge.
Who runs Extension in South Carolina?
It is based at Clemson University and South Carolina State University, the state's land-grant institutions.
South Carolina Listings Covered by This Guide
- South Carolina 4-H Team Cooking Challenge
State finals of the 4-H Team Cooking Challenge, scheduled for Nov. 14, 2026 in Florence.
- South Carolina 4-H Pinckney Leadership Roundup Florence
One of three regional Pinckney Leadership Roundups for 4-H teens, held Feb. 6, 2027 in Florence; Charleston follows Feb. 20 and Columbia March 6.
Florence, SC | Organizer: Clemson Extension 4-H Official event details - South Carolina 4-H State Engineering Challenge
Teams of 4-H members build and test design solutions at the State Engineering Challenge, held Feb. 10, 2027 at the State Fairgrounds in Columbia.
- State 4-H Engineering Challenge
State 4-H engineering challenge for youth teams at the State Fairgrounds in Columbia on February 10, 2027.
Columbia, SC | Organizer: Clemson 4-H Official event details - South Carolina 4-H Pinckney Leadership Roundup Charleston
The Charleston stop of the 4-H Pinckney Leadership Roundup series for South Carolina teens takes place Feb. 20, 2027.
Charleston, SC | Organizer: Clemson Extension 4-H Official event details - Cooking Like a Chef Summit
4-H cooking summit for young cooks in Chapin on February 20, 2027.
Chapin, SC | Organizer: Clemson 4-H Official event details - South Carolina 4-H Pinckney Leadership Roundup Columbia
The Columbia stop of the 4-H Pinckney Leadership Roundup, the last of three regional days for teen leaders, is set for March 6, 2027.
- 4-H Pinckney Leadership Roundup Columbia
Columbia session of the 4-H Pinckney Leadership Roundup, a youth leadership day, set for March 6, 2027.
Columbia, SC | Organizer: Clemson 4-H Official event details - South Carolina 4-H Legislative Day
4-H members visit Columbia to meet legislators and see state government at work on March 9, 2027.
- SC 4-H/FFA State Dairy Evaluation Contest
Youth judge dairy cattle at the state 4-H/FFA Dairy Evaluation, held March 25, 2027 at Garrison Arena in Pendleton as the opening day of the Spring Dairy Show weekend.
Pendleton, SC | Organizer: Clemson Extension 4-H and SC FFA Official event details - SC 4-H Spring Dairy Show
Youth dairy cattle show with a Let's Talk Dairy public speaking contest, March 25-27, 2027 at Garrison Arena in Pendleton.
- South Carolina 4-H Forestry Contest
The state 4-H Forestry Contest is held March 26, 2027 at the Clemson University Forest, with Forest Fest following on March 27.
Clemson, SC | Organizer: Clemson Extension 4-H Official event details - SC 4-H/FFA State Livestock Evaluation Contest
Teams of 4-H and FFA members place classes of beef, swine and sheep and give oral reasons at the state Livestock Evaluation on April 2, 2027 at Garrison Arena in Pendleton.
Pendleton, SC | Organizer: Clemson Extension 4-H and SC FFA Official event details - South Carolina 4-H Super Sporting and Sporting Clays
4-H shooting sports members compete in the Super Sporting and Sporting Clays event on April 3, 2027 at Hermitage Sporting Grounds in Camden.
Camden, SC | Organizer: Clemson Extension 4-H Official event details - 4-H Shooting Sports Super Sporting and Sporting Clays
4-H shooting sports sporting clays event at Hermitage Sporting Grounds in Camden on April 3, 2027.
Camden, SC | Organizer: Clemson 4-H Official event details - South Carolina 4-H Junior Weekend
Younger 4-H members meet in North Myrtle Beach for a three-day weekend of contests and activities, April 30 to May 2, 2027.
North Myrtle Beach, SC | Organizer: Clemson Extension 4-H Official event details - South Carolina 4-H State Sporting Clays and HOA
State 4-H Sporting Clays and Hunter Outdoor Adventure contest, scheduled June 5, 2027 in Edgefield.
Edgefield, SC | Organizer: Clemson Extension 4-H Official event details - SC 4-H State Horse Show
Four-day state 4-H horse show for qualified youth riders, scheduled June 9-12, 2027 at Garrison Arena in Pendleton.
- 4-H Pinckney Leadership Camp
Week-long 4-H leadership camp in North Myrtle Beach, June 13 to 18, 2027.
North Myrtle Beach, SC | Organizer: Clemson 4-H Official event details - South Carolina 4-H Congress
Week-long state 4-H Congress on the Clemson University campus, July 5-9, 2027, bringing club members together for contests, workshops and leadership programs.
- SC State Fair 4-H Rabbit and Poultry Showmanship and Knowledge Test
4-H members compete in rabbit and poultry showmanship and a knowledge test during the state fair. Held each year; the most recent contest was Oct. 17, 2026.
1200 Rosewood Drive, Columbia, SC 29201 | Organizer: Clemson Extension 4-H Official event details - SC State Fair 4-H Day at the Fair
A dedicated day for South Carolina 4-H families and clubs at the state fair in Columbia. Held each year; the most recent 4-H Day was Oct. 17, 2026.
1200 Rosewood Drive, Columbia, SC 29201 | Organizer: Clemson Extension 4-H Official event details - 4-H Day at the State Fair
Held each year; the most recent 4-H Day at the Fair was October 17, 2026, at the State Fairgrounds in Columbia.
1200 Rosewood Drive, Columbia, SC | Organizer: Clemson 4-H Official event details - 4-H Rabbit and Poultry Showmanship and Knowledge Test
Held each year; the most recent 4-H rabbit and poultry showmanship and knowledge test was October 17, 2026, in Columbia during State Fair week.
Columbia, SC | Organizer: Clemson 4-H Official event details - Clemson Extension Abbeville County Office
Clemson Cooperative Extension office for Abbeville County in Abbeville. Reach agents for agriculture, horticulture and 4-H youth programs at (864) 446-2276. Office address: 265 Industrial Park Rd..
265 Industrial Park Rd., Abbeville, SC 29620 | (864) 446-2276 Website - Clemson Extension Aiken County Office
Aiken County office of Clemson Extension, based in Aiken, serving farmers, gardeners and 4-H families. Phone (803) 649-6911. Office address: 1555 Richland Ave E, Suite 500.
1555 Richland Ave E, Suite 500, Aiken, SC 29801 | (803) 649-6911 Website - Clemson Extension Allendale County Office
Local Clemson Extension county office in Allendale that supports Allendale County growers, livestock owners and 4-H clubs. Call (803) 584-4207 for the county team. Office address: 398 Barnwell Hwy..
398 Barnwell Hwy., Allendale, SC 29810 | (803) 584-4207 Website - Clemson Extension Anderson County Office
Clemson Cooperative Extension office for Anderson County in Anderson. Reach agents for agriculture, horticulture and 4-H youth programs at (864) 226-1581.
Anderson, SC 29624 | (864) 226-1581 Website - Clemson Extension Bamberg County Office
Bamberg County office of Clemson Extension, based in Bamberg, serving farmers, gardeners and 4-H families. Phone (803) 245-2661. Office address: 847 Calhoun St..
847 Calhoun St., Bamberg, SC 29003 | (803) 245-2661 Website - Clemson Extension Barnwell County Office
Local Clemson Extension county office in Barnwell that supports Barnwell County growers, livestock owners and 4-H clubs. Call (803) 259-7141 for the county team. Office address: 34 Pechmann St..
34 Pechmann St., Barnwell, SC 29812 | (803) 259-7141 Website - Clemson Extension Beaufort County Office
Clemson Cooperative Extension office for Beaufort County in Beaufort. Reach agents for agriculture, horticulture and 4-H youth programs at (843) 255-6060. Office address: 18 John Galt Road.
18 John Galt Road, Beaufort, SC 29901 | (843) 255-6060 Website - Clemson Extension Berkeley County Office
Berkeley County office of Clemson Extension, based in Moncks Corner, serving farmers, gardeners and 4-H families. Phone (843) 719-4140. Office address: 109 West Main Street.
109 West Main Street, Moncks Corner, SC 29461 | (843) 719-4140 Website - Clemson Extension Calhoun County Office
Local Clemson Extension county office in St Matthews that supports Calhoun County growers, livestock owners and 4-H clubs. Call (803) 874-2354 for the county team. Office address: 904 F.R. Huff Drive.
904 F.R. Huff Drive, St Matthews, SC 29135 | (803) 874-2354 Website - Clemson Extension Charleston County Office
Clemson Cooperative Extension office for Charleston County in Charleston. Reach agents for agriculture, horticulture and 4-H youth programs at (843) 722-5940. Office address: 259 Meeting Street.
259 Meeting Street, Charleston, SC 29401 | (843) 722-5940 Website - Clemson Extension Cherokee County Office
Cherokee County office of Clemson Extension, based in Gaffney, serving farmers, gardeners and 4-H families. Phone (864) 489-3141. Office address: 110 Railroad Ave.
110 Railroad Ave, Gaffney, SC 29340 | (864) 489-3141 Website - Clemson Extension Chester County Office
Local Clemson Extension county office in Chester that supports Chester County growers, livestock owners and 4-H clubs. Call (803) 385-6181 for the county team. Office address: 109 Ella St..
109 Ella St., Chester, SC 29706 | (803) 385-6181 Website - Clemson Extension Chesterfield County Office
Clemson Cooperative Extension office for Chesterfield County in Chesterfield. Reach agents for agriculture, horticulture and 4-H youth programs at (843) 623-2134. Office address: 101 Main St..
101 Main St., Chesterfield, SC 29709 | (843) 623-2134 Website - Clemson Extension Clarendon County Office
Clarendon County office of Clemson Extension, based in Manning, serving farmers, gardeners and 4-H families. Phone (803) 435-8429. Office address: 21 West Rigby Street.
21 West Rigby Street, Manning, SC 29102 | (803) 435-8429 Website - Clemson Extension Colleton County Office
Local Clemson Extension county office in Walterboro that supports Colleton County growers, livestock owners and 4-H clubs. Call (843) 549-2596 for the county team. Office address: 611 Black St., Suite 210.
611 Black St., Suite 210, Walterboro, SC 29488 | (843) 549-2596 Website - Clemson Extension Darlington County Office
Clemson Cooperative Extension office for Darlington County in Darlington. Reach agents for agriculture, horticulture and 4-H youth programs at (843) 393-0484. Office address: 300 Russell Street, Room 222.
300 Russell Street, Room 222, Darlington, SC 29532 | (843) 393-0484 Website
Plus 33 more. Find yours on your county's page in the South Carolina directory.
Guide checked Nov. 11, 2026. Rules and dates change; confirm with the organizer.