Experienced farmers, new farmers and youth all have something to learn at the Farm Opportunities Day conference hosted by the West Virginia University Extension Service in conjunction with Glenville State College.

The conference takes place Saturday, March 21 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Glenville State College’s WACO Center in Glenville.

Participants will learn more about marketing and increasing income with their farms with an emphasis on topics relevant to small farms around central West Virginia. Industry experts will work with small groups of farmers to provide trusted, research-based advice in various topics.

New this year, participants can pick from seven tracks for a day-long intensive session to get more in-depth information about a topic. Tracks in farmers markets, technology, small ruminants, beef cattle, beekeeping, high tunnel production and a beginner farmers course are available.

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.

The conference registration fee is $10 for those registered by March 11, and $20 after. Those under the age of 18 are admitted free but must pre-register. Registration is available by calling your local county office of the WVU Extension Service, or online at www.anr.ext.wvu.edu/farm-opportunities.

Connecting the people of West Virginia to the University’s resources and programs is the primary goal of WVU Extension Service and its 55 offices throughout the state. Local experts, like WVU Extension’s agents and specialists, work to help improve the lifestyles and well being of youths, workforces, communities, farms and businesses through trusted research in the counties in which they serve.

For more information visit anr.ext.wvu.edu/farm-opportunities, or contact your local office of the WVU Extension Service.

-WVU-

zl/03/10/15

CONTACT: Cassie Thomas, WVU Extension Service
304.293.8735, Cassie.Thomas@mail.wvu.edu

Follow @WVUToday on Twitter.