After a long and difficult winter, it’s time to think spring!

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 2014 Farm-City Banquet planned for March 17.

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 they have 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 the Rotary Club of Butler, Penn State Extension, the Butler County Conservation District, AgChoice Farm Credit 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.

Sarah Wurzbacher, Penn State Extension Educator based in Crawford County will be the featured speaker. Her topic is “The NEWBio Project: Growing a New Energy Industry in the Northeast U.S.”

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

Pre-paid registration is required. Reservations are $14 per person.

Contact the Butler County Extension Office at 724-287-4761, Ext. 222. Reservation deadline is March 10. 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.