Since 2021, the South Carolina Governor’s School for Agriculture (SCGSA) has hosted its annual Ag Fest each spring. As the school and festival developed, the event began to feature more activities and attract more people. This past year, the festival brought in 777 people from all over the state. But why did all these people take the time to travel to McCormick County for an ag festival? Libby Templeton, the animal science agriculture teacher, FFA advisor and head of the festival, says, “People come to show their livestock and see our students in the ring.” The big attraction of the event is the abundance of multispecies livestock shows and the spotlight on the school’s agriculture program. This event is even the state’s largest spring outdoor diverse livestock show.
Three students bracing their goats as part of goat showmanship.
One reason the school hosts this event is to recruit new students and build community relationships. Templeton said, “Ag Fest is a wonderful networking tool for my students to have a livestock project experience in the spring not only to show but to take part in designing and ordering the awards, setting up the show, selling sponsors, mingling with others from other states, etc.” She went on to say that when these students go on to compete or attend other events, people recognize them from Ag Fest and can receive internships, scholarships and more. However, the event has its own awards and scholarships available. For instance, the McCormick Soil and Water SAE (Supervised Agricultural Experience) $1,000 scholarship is announced to two lucky FFA members with exemplary SAEs.
McCormick Soil and Water SAE Scholarship winners Lyle Fulmer (2024-25 South Carolina FFA State Region 2 Vice President and SCGSA 2024 graduate) and JD Miller (SCGSA 2024 graduate.)
This festival is one of many that all on the John de la Howe campus look forward to attending and participating in. Not only are students stationed everywhere on the campus, but so are staff and faculty who converse with attendees about all the school offers. People can likely meet the SCGSA president, Dr. Timothy Keown, and principal, Gregory Thompson, at our informational booths.
SCGSA President Dr. Timothy Keown and Principal Gregory Thompson outside the school’s informational booth.
Attendees even have the chance to ride with equine specialist Heather Rhoden around the Governor’s Green.
Heather Rhoden gives attendees a carriage ride.
While the livestock shows may not interest everyone, there is still plenty to do. Ag Fest Committee Chair and SCGSA student Sara Corn says, “There is something for everyone, vendors to shop from, people to connect with, and we’re even looking at new activities for families and kids!” She even emphasized how it is a good opportunity for students interested in agriculture and the school; it’s what got her to apply.
Event attendees Drake Ariail (2022-23 South Carolina State FFA President) and Caitlyn Krout (2023-24 South Carolina State FFA Region 2 Vice President and SCGSA 2024 graduate.)
Ag Fest: The tradition continues on March 29, 2025.
