While it’s not been quite as harsh as last winter, it is still cold and dreary outside. Are you looking for a way to get out and relieve some of that cabin fever? Why not visit with friends and neighbors at the 2015 Farm-City Banquet planned for March 16.

Along with all segments of our community, the farming segment deals with economic and environmental pressures on a daily basis along with other factors over which it has no control. Pennsylvania is a national leader in agricultural production yet many residents don’t know what is produced in their own communities. The need for effective communications between all segments of the population is more important than ever. An annual tradition, the Farm- City dinner provides the opportunity for opening the door to discussion between the rural and urban communities.

Co-sponsored by Penn State Extension, the Butler County Conservation District, AgChoice Farm Credit, the Butler County Farm Bureau, and the USDA Farm Service Agency, the dinner will be held at the Tanglewood Center located off Hansen Avenue in Lyndora. There will be light refreshments beginning at 6 p.m. followed by dinner at 6:30 p.m.

Susan Boser, Penn State Extension educator based in Beaver County, will be the featured speaker. Susan’s topic is “Valuing Our Water Resources,” a subject of interest to everyone regardless of where you call home.

The program will also include the presentation of the annual “Bullshipper Award” to a member of the community who has helped to promote an understanding of agriculture and its importance to Butler County.

Prepaid registration is required. Reservations are $15 per person. Contact the Butler County Extension Office at 724-287-4761, Ext. 222. Reservation deadline is March 6. Tickets will not be sold at the door. Hope to see you there.

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.