Many educational sessions upcoming

The holidays are over and as everyone settles into their new year’s routine, we look forward to a number of educational programs being offered by Penn State Extension.

In fact, there are so many meetings coming up in the next few weeks that I’m not able to provide full information about each program in this column.

I hope everyone will agree that this is a nice problem to have. If you would like additional information on any of the programs offered, contact the Butler County Extension Office at 724-287-4761, Ext. 222, unless otherwise noted.

Agricultural programming in Butler County

Are you involved in Butler County agriculture or have an interest in agriculture? Do you have suggestions for Penn State Extension programs in Butler County?

If you answered yes to either of these questions, plan to attend a discussion on agriculture programming with Extension District Director Janice Hassen and extension educators on Friday. The meeting will be held at the Butler Farm Show office beginning at 7:30 p.m. Light refreshments will be served.

This is a great opportunity for the agricultural community to come together to discuss programming needs and help to shape the future of extension programs.

Marcellus Shale agreement update

A discussion regarding the agreement process for Marcellus Shale leasing, seismic testing and pipelines is planned for Jan 24 from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. at the Slippery Rock Township Building, 155 Branchton Road.

Dan Brockett and Jon Laughner, Penn State Marcellus Team educators, will provide a description of what these agreements are, why they are needed, and what options may be available for landowners.

There is $10 registration fee and registration is requested. Contact the Butler County Extension office at 724-287-4761, Ext. 222, to register.

Estimating and bidding for landscape installation

No matter what size your business is, anyone who is bidding on landscape jobs should take a look at the numbers. This short course will provide participants with a simple budget calculation tool to help compute hourly rates, overhead and profitability.

The short course is planned for Jan. 30 and Jan. 31 at the Allegheny County Extension office located, 400 N. Lexington St., Pittsburgh.

Registration is required at a cost of $150. The fee covers refreshments, lunch and all program materials. Class size is limited to 35 participants and walk-ins will not be accepted.

For additional information contact Extension Educator Sandy Feather at 412-473-2540. Online registration is being accepted at http://agsci.psu.edu/landscape-bidding. You can also register by phone at 877-489-1398.

Cattle feeder’s seminar

The 1st Annual Western PA Cattle Feeder’s Seminar is planned for Jan. 30 at the Westmoreland County Extension office, 214 Donohoe Road, Suite E, Greensburg, beginning with dinner at 6 p.m.

The program, packed full of information, will cover economics, marketing, feed usage and efficiencies, management, and feeder cattle supply.

The $10 registration fee includes dinner. Registration is requested by calling 724-438-0111.

Beginning beekeeping workshops

A Beginning Beekeeping Seminar will again be offered at two locations in 2013. On Feb. 2, the seminar will be held at Soergel Orchards, 2573 Brandt School Road, Wexford. The seminar will be repeated on Feb. 9 at the Westmoreland County Extension Office.

The session will provide new beekeepers with the knowledge and information to help them achieve a successful start. Topics include bee biology, basic equipment and keeping bees healthy.

There is a fee of $50 that includes lunch and a seminar information packet. Registration deadlines are Jan. 26 and Feb. 1, respectively, for the two sessions. For additional information and to register online, go to http://agsci.psu.edu/beginning-beekeeping. To register by phone, call 724-774-3003.

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.