The winter months are a good time of year to take a break from the chores to attend one of the many educational programs offered by Penn State Cooperative Extension. A brief description of several upcoming meetings is listed below.

NW Beef Management workshop series

A series of meetings for area beef producers will be held Feb. 8, Feb. 15, and Feb. 22 at the Wesley Grange about a mile north of Interstate 80. Each of the three sessions will begin at 7 p.m.

The first session will focus on the future of the cattle industry and will feature Troy Marshall, editor of Seedstock Digest, and Lornia Marshall, director of bull procurement for ABS Global as the speakers.

Heifer management will be the focus of the second session conducted by John Grimes, Ohio State University extension educator. The series will conclude with a discussion on genetics in the feedlot with Ernie Reeves of Staunton, Va. and Creating Opportunities for the Future with Jim Johnson, director of sales, Bovigen LLC and Virginia Cattlemen.

Registration deadline for the workshop is Friday.

To attend all three sessions, the registration fee is $25 per person or $40 for two people from the same farm.

The registration fee includes materials and refreshments for each session. Individual session fees are $10 per person fee or $15 for two people from the same farm.

For a copy of the brochure and registration form, contact the Butler County Extension Office at 724-287-4761.

Home based food business workshop

Whether it's growing and drying herbs, baking breads and cakes or packaging gourmet dinners for one, food related businesses are becoming increasingly popular as a way to earn a living or for additional income. The cook's creative flair combined with business practicality can result in a successful business adventure.

Food for Profit, a seminar that will be conducted in Cranberry, will provide the important information necessary to help you determine if you would like to start a small food business and/or expand and add value to an existing enterprise.

It is especially directed to individuals or groups who will be making and packaging their products for resale through grocery stores, farm markets, restaurants or craft shows. Sessions dealing with business planning, legal requirements, food safety, marketing and pricing will help the budding entrepreneur lay the groundwork for a long, profitable business experience.

The workshop will be conducted at Hereford and Hops Restaurant, 1740 Route 228, Cranberry Township from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. on Feb. 22. The cost of the workshop is $49.

A brochure and the registration information can be downloaded at: http:/indiana.extension.psu.edu

You can also contact the Butler County Extension Office at 724-287-4761 for a copy of the brochure.

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