As winter comes to an end, what better way to get out and look ahead to spring than to visit with friends and neighbors at the 2012 Farm-City Banquet planned for March 19. The banquet marks the observance of Natural Agriculture Week, a fitting way to say goodbye to winter and welcome spring!

Along with all segments of our community, the farming community is also dealing 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.

Co-sponsored by Butler Rotary, the Butler County Conservation District, Penn State Extension and cooperating agricultural agencies, the dinner will be held at the Butler County Community College’s Founders Hall. There will be light refreshments beginning at 6 followed by dinner at 6:30 p.m.

Our program will celebrate 100 years of Pennsylvania 4-H from its rural beginnings to global recognition and success. The program will also include the presentation of the annual Bullshipper Award.

Registration and payment is required.

Reservations are $15 per person. Checks should be made payable to: “Extension Special Account” and sent to the Butler County Extension Office at 101 Motor Pool Way, Butler, PA 16001. Contact the Extension Office at 724-287-4761, Ext. 222, or the Butler County Conservation District at 724-284-5270 with any questions. Reservation deadline is March 12.

We 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.