This year's Western Pennsylvania Vegetable Growers seminar offers a variety of topics of interest to commercial growers. The seminar will be held from 8 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. on Nov. 16 at the Days Inn along Route 8, south of Butler.

Commercial vegetable growers from Western Pennsylvania, Ohio and West Virginia will gather to learn about the latest information and products available to help them profitably grow top quality produce.

This program offers sessions specific to vegetable production as well as business and marketing. Participants will choose from topics such as sweet onion production, successful transplant establishment, practical tips to reduce phytophthora products and water mold from fungi. Business related topics include planning for the future of your farm and family, increasing income with value added products, and using computers to improve your business.

Topics will be presented by speakers from Penn State University and private industry. A trade show will also be featured. Commercial exhibitors include seed and chemical companies, greenhouse suppliers, and distributors of a wide range of products for the commercial grower.

The program is co-sponsored by the Penn State Cooperative Extension, the Pennsylvania Vegetable Growers Association and commercial suppliers.

Updated training credits for pesticide applicator licenses are available for the vegetable production sessions.

If you are involved in, or seriously considering commercial vegetable production, plan to attend the Western Pennsylvania Vegetable Growers seminar. The pre-registration fee of $20 per person, including lunch, is due by Nov. 10. Walk-in registrations the day of the seminar will be $25 per person. To request a program and registration form, contact the Penn State Cooperative Extension in Butler County at 724-287-4761.