Do you want to put more money into your pockets? Do you want to have the chance to market your calves to more than ninety buyers at one time? Do you want to cooperate with other producers and benefit from the greater effort?

The PA Calf Pool can offer you the potential to reach all of these goals.

This program is expanding from its traditional base in southwestern Pennsylvania and bringing its benefits to producers across the entire western half of Pennsylvania. Producers who have been involved in this program have seen premiums as high as $25.00/cwt. over traditional marketing avenues.

The calves marketed in this program receive premiums for selling in truckload lots, being preconditioned and being BQA certified. These might sound like big steps, but they are really not, especially when you could see a price increase of more than $100 per head.

There will be two informative meetings where producers can learn more about the program, the current vaccinations and shipping points in the Clarion and Butler area. There also will be ample time for producers to ask questions.

Enrollment of interested producers also will take place at these locations in northwest Pennsylvania:

n 7:30 p.m. May 7, Butler County Extension Office, Building 10 on the grounds of Sunnyview Home. Call 724-287-4761 for more information.

• 7:30 p.m. May 8, Clarion Moose Lodge.

These meetings will be part of the ongoing effort to make this marketing opportunity accessible to producers across the state. Dustin Heeter, Westmoreland County Extension Educator, can be reached at 724-837-1402 and will be happy to answer questions.

The Pennsylvania State University encourages qualified persons with disabilities to participate in its programs and activities. If you anticipate needing any type of accommodation or have questions about the physical access provided, please contact the Westmoreland County Cooperative Extension Office at 724-837-1402 in advance.

Penn State is committed to the policy that all persons shall have equal access to programs, facilities, admission and employment without regard to personal characteristics not related to ability, performance or qualifications as determined by university policy or by state or federal authorities.

It is the policy of the university to maintain an academic and work environment free of discrimination, including harassment. The university prohibits discrimination and harassment against any person because of age, ancestry, color, disability or handicap, national origin, race, religious creed, sex, sexual orientation or veteran status.

Discrimination or harassment against faculty, staff or students will not be tolerated at Penn State.

Direct all inquiries regarding the nondiscrimination policy to the Affirmative Action Director, Pennsylvania State University, 328 Boucke Building, University Park, PA 16802-2801, or call 814-865-4700 or 814-863-1150.

This material is submitted by Donna Zang, Extension director, and the staff of the Penn State Extension office at the Sunnyview complex.