FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: March 10, 2015
For More Information:
Glenville State College
Public Relations Department
(304) 462-4115
GLENVILLE, WV â Experienced farmers, new farmers, and area youths will all have something new to learn at the Farm Opportunities Day conference on Saturday, March 21st from 9:00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m. at Glenville State College's new Waco Center. The event is being held in collaboration with the West Virginia University Extension Service.
Participants will learn about marketing their farms and increasing income with an emphasis on topics relevant to small, central West Virginia farms. Industry experts will work with groups of farmers to provide trusted, research-based advice in various topics.
New for this year, participants will be able to choose from seven tracks for a day-long intensive session to get more in-depth information about a topic. Attendees can choose from tracks in farmers markets, technology, small ruminants, beef cattle, beekeeping, high tunnel production, and a 'beginner farmers' course.
Two unique, hands-on opportunities exist with the small ruminant track and the technology track, both new offerings. The small ruminant track gives participants training with sheep and goats to learn parasite control using eye-lid color and body condition scoring. Computer training sessions in the technology track will help producers looking to improve their record-keeping and technology use in their operation.
In addition to the training, participants will have the opportunity to network at a luncheon that showcases locally sourced foods courtesy of the WVU Extension Service Small Farm Center.
"We encourage anyone that is interested to join us for these events including working farmers who want to expand their operations and hobby farmers who want to expand beyond farmers markets. Our goal is to bring some of the services to local farmers that were not available to them without traveling to other parts of the state. There is a great opportunity for local farmers to take advantage of the opportunity to cash in on the need for locally grown food. The food industry is experiencing a shift to locally grown food and they need more suppliers. This seminar will highlight the many opportunities that are available to local farmers," said Small Business Development Coordinator Larry Porter.
The conference registration fee is $20. Student FFA and 4-H members, and others under the age of 18, will be admitted free but must still pre-register. Registration is available by calling your local county office of the WVU Extension Service or online here.
