Winter Educational Dinner Meeting

“Farm Estate and Transition Planning” will be be the topic of the Winter Educational Dinner Meeting at the Marlinton Municipal building. The dinner is scheduled for Tuesday, February 12, at 6:30 p.m. The program will be presented by John R. Baker, Staff Attorney for the Iowa Concern Hotline, an information and referral service of Iowa State University Extension Service. Baker earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration, a Master’s of Business Administration and a Juris Doctorate from Drake University in Des Moines, Iowa.
Please RSVP to the Extension office at 304-799-4852 by Friday, February 8. There will be a $3 charge for those who attend the dinner.
 The third and final dinner meeting and presentation, “Grass Finished Beef,” will be held March 12.
 
Robotics opportunities
The 4-H Robotics program will launch in Pocahontas County February 13. All 4-Hers are invited to participate in a county-wide robotics workshop Wednesday, February 13, at 3:30 p.m. (immediately following school) at the Municipal Building Auditorium in Marlinton. Youth will see SumoBot wrestling and learn to design, build and program robots. Four-Hers are also invited to participate in the State Robotics Challenge at Jackson’s Mill on Saturday, February 23. Please call the Extension Office by February 11 if you plan to participate in either of these robotics events.
 
Energy Express Deadlines
Energy Express service/employment opportunities are now available for the 2013 Marlinton Elementary Energy Express Site for one site supervisor, four mentors and one community coordinator. To learn more about how to become involved or to request an employment application, call the WVU Pocahontas County Extension Office at 304-799-4852 or visit the Energy Express website at www.energyexpress.wvu.edu
Application deadlines are February 19 for the site supervisor position, and March 1 for the mentor and community coordinator positions.
 
Frozen Food Sale
The 4-H Spring Frozen Food Sale is now in progress. All orders are due in the Extension Office by February 26. The order form can be obtained by calling the Extension Office at 304-799-4852. The frozen food sale is being sponsored by the Pocahontas County 4-H Leaders’ Association.
 
 Appalachian Grazing Conference
 “Grass “THE” Green Energy” is the theme for the 2013 Appalachian Grazing Conference. The conference runs March 8 and 9 in Morgantown, at the Waterfront Place Hotel.
There will be presentations of interest to farmers with cattle, goats and sheep. Participants will hear from America’s leading speakers on management strategies to increase profits.
Conference registration forms can be found at your local West Virginia Conservation District or by visiting www.grazeappalachia.org
Because of the importance of the information being presented to grazing producers, many West Virginia Conservation Districts are offering scholarships to cover the conference fee. Find your local conservation district at www.wvca.us/districts and contact them for more information regarding scholarships.

Pocahontas Producers Sale Schedule
Regular Sale – Saturday, February 9, 2 p.m.
Regular Sale – Saturday, March 9, 2 p.m.
Spring Feeder Calf Sale – Friday, April 12, 7:30 p.m.
Regular Sale – Saturday, April 13, 2 p.m.
Regular Sale – Saturday, April 27, 2 p.m.
Regular Sale - Saturday May 11, 2 p.m.
Regular Sale – Saturday, June 8, 2 p.m.

For more information please contact PPCA Manager Sherry Sullenberger at 540-499-2718 or the WVU Extension Office at 304-799-4852.