For producers that incorporate grazing into their livestock feeding program, the 16th annual Northwest Pennsylvania Grazing Conference is planned for March 12 at the Zion Church in Clarion.

The theme for this year’s conference is “Forages: Changes, Challenges, and Opportunities.”

Featured speakers for the conference will be Dr. Garry Lacefield, University of Kentucky Extension Forage Specialist, and Sid Brantly, USDA-NRCS Grazing Land Specialist.

In addition to the keynote topic, workshops planned for the conference include “The Grazing Ensemble: Cattle-Sheep-Goats,” Extending the Grazing Season and Reducing Stored Feed Needs,” “Successful Grazing Requires Understanding the Basics” and “Keeping Horses Healthy on Pastures.”

Registrations are required and include a continental breakfast and hot buffet lunch. Registration deadline is March 1. Registrations are $30 per person.

For a copy of the brochure and registration form for this educational opportunity, contact the Butler County Extension Office at 724-287-4761, Ext. 222, or e-mail ButlerExt@psu.edu.

Southwest Pa. Regional Dairy Day

The Southwest Pennsylvania Dairy Day provides an opportunity for dairy producers to network and learn. This year’s program is no exception and will focus on strategies to reduce the risk in the dairy business.

Planned for March 7 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Ramada Inn in Greensburg, the program will feature presentations by Ryan Richards of Richards Dairy and Dr. Cory Meyers.

Topics include “Strategies to Minimize Milk and Meat Residues,” “Strategies Used by Richards Dairy to Minimize Risk” and a dairy producer panel.

In addition, the trade show will feature new products available for the dairy industry.

Reservations are required and are due no later than March 5.

To register, contact the Westmoreland County Extension Office at 724-837-1402.

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