Even though it will soon be winter, it's not too soon to think about the 2006 crop season.

To help producers plan ahead for the next growing season, the Penn State Extension will offer a Crop Planning Workshop on Dec. 13 at the Garden Gate Restaurant on Route 422 west of Butler.

The workshop will include sessions on "Managing Manure to Maximize Crop Benefits," "Genetically Modified Crop Traits and Their Use in SW Pennsylvania," "What's New in Weed Control," "Management Exercises for Producer," and "New Nutrient Management Regulations."

The program will be presented by Doug Beegle and Greg Roth of Penn State University's Department of Crop and Soil Sciences along with Extension Educators Don Fretts and Kevin Fry.

Participants will earn two core and two category 1 pesticide credits toward renewal of their private applicator's license.

The program begins with registration at 9:45 a.m. and concludes at 2:30 p.m. A registration fee of $12 per person includes lunch. Registrations are due by Dec. 6.

For more information, call the Butler County Extension Office at 724-287-4761.