So, you want to be a farmer?

Dreaming about livestock but not sure where to start? This hands-on, real-talk series is designed for ages 14+ who are curious about raising animals — whether it’s a few in the backyard or the start of something bigger. Each 2–2½ hour session focuses on one species and answers the questions beginners really need to ask.

· Sheep & Goats (June 4): Location: Orangeburg Fairgrounds, 350 Magnolia Street, Orangeburg, SC 29115, Fencing that works, parasite control, breeding basics, and which animal best fits your land and goals. Maggie Miller and Nicole Correa will be talking about small ruminants and Lin Hair will get into fencing.

· Cattle (June 18): Located at the Orangeburg Stockyards, 805 Whaley Street, Orangeburg, SC 29115 Land needs, facilities, herd health, and honest startup costs — including a beginner finance session and collaboration with the local Cattlemen’s Association. Nicole Correa of Clemon Extension will talk about humane animal handling with Matt Fischer of Clemson Extension talking about animal selection and how that ties into profitability. This class will start at the Stockyards from 5:00-6:30 pm with a quick break, giving everyone time to head to the Fairgrounds from 7:00-9:00 pm. During the local cattlemen's meeting, we will have Jim Johnson talking about overall business planning. Join us for part of the evening or all of it!

· Hogs (July 2): Located at Peculiar Pig Farm, 514 Limestone Road, Dorchester, SC 29437. Feed efficiency, fencing realities, processing logistics, and marketing options. Caroline Saathoff of Clemson Extension will speak along with the family of Peculiar Pig Farm, an award winning hog farm in SC!

· Horses (July 16): Located at James M. Thomas 4-H Horse Arena,108 George Street, Bamberg, SC 29003. True cost of ownership, pasture management, and safety considerations.

· Poultry (July 30): Located at the Orangeburg Cooperative Extension Office Second Floor, 1550 Henley Street, Orangeburg, SC 29115. Coop design, predator-proofing, egg and meat production basics, and regulations to know. We will have speakers Dr. Mickey Hall and Courtney Watts from Livestock Poultry Health.

· Real advice. Real numbers. Real farmers. If you’ve ever said, “I think I want to farm” — this series is for you.

Clemson University Cooperative Extension Service offers its programs to people of all ages, regardless of race, color, religion, national origin, disability, political beliefs, sex, marital or family status and is an equal opportunity employer.

Should you require special accommodations due to a disability, please notify the county office ten days prior to the event. If you need further assistance please contact Candice Heatherly ([email protected]).

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Host or Publisher Nicole Correa