Unique and Interesting Insects of our woods and wildlands
Forests are wonderful places to explore unique and interesting insects that are crucial to healthy forested ecosystems. Learn more in an evening with Tim Tomon, Forest Entomologist for the WV Department of Agriculture. Participants will hear about forest insects that mimic others to ensure survival, that use unique methods to reproduce, and that benefit the biodiversity of our natural world.
This event is for everyone from foresters and natural resources professionals to the curious nature enthusiast, and will be held in the Marlinton Municipal Building Monday, February 20, from 6:30 to 8:45 p.m.
Registration is $5; free to students with ID. Light refreshments will be served. Call 304-799-4852 for more information or to RSVP.

4-H Posters and Photos on Display
The entries in the 2012 4-H Poster Contest and Photo Event will be on display at the McClintic Library in Marlinton during the month of February. ﾠEveryone is invited to stop by and view the entries.

Frozen Food Sale
The 4-H Spring Frozen Food Sale is now in progress. ﾠAll orders are due in the Extension Office before February 28. ﾠThe order form can be obtained by calling 304-799-4852. ﾠThe frozen food sale is sponsored by the Pocahontas County 4-H Leaders Association and proceeds are used to provide county camp scholarships for our county 4-Hers.

Extension Service Committee Meeting
The annual budget and personnel meeting of the WVU-Pocahontas County Extension Service Committee will be held in the Extension Office on Thursday, February 23, at 5:30 p.m.
Pocahontas County

4-H and FFA Ham, Bacon and Egg Sale
The Pocahontas County 4-H and FFA will hold its annual Ham, Bacon and Egg Sale on Saturday, March 10, at 7 p.m. at Mitchell Chevrolet in Marlinton. ﾠFor more information please contact the WVU Extension Office at 304-799-4852.

Master Gardener/Volunteer Project at Pearl S. Buck Birthplace
The board of directors for the Pearl Buck Birthplace in Hillsboro is moving into the next phase of the "Good Earth Gardens" project. ﾠThe board would like to beautify the grounds with ornamental shrubs and flower beds around both the Stulting House and the Sydenstricker House.
Volunteers installed herb beds behind the house two years ago.ﾠ Last year they formed a "grow team" and planted a vegetable garden on what is believed to be the exact site of the Stulting family's garden.ﾠ The garden produced well, and the group delivered nearly 600 pounds of fresh produce to the local food pantries throughﾠPlant a Row for the Hungry.ﾠ Pearl S. Buck Birthplace Museum also hosted several successful gardening workshops.
Here are some ways you can help with the project:
ﾷBe a part of the design team
ﾷDonate plants from your garden this spring
ﾷ Be a rose consultant
ﾷHelp to prepare, plant, and/or maintain the beds.
To help with the project, contact Sue Groves at 304-653-4195 or siouxgroves@gmail.com
For more information on this project or the WV Master Gardener program, contact the Pocahontas County Extension Office at 304-799-4852.

GVCD Agricultural Enhancement Program Funding Available
The Greenbrier Valley Conservation District is currently taking applications for the 2012 AEP Program.ﾠ The West Virginia Agriculture Enhancement Program ("WV AEP") is a pilot program administered by the West Virginia Conservation Agency through local Conservation Districts to increase farm productivity by conserving soil and making wise use of agricultural resources and to improve water quality in the state's streams and rivers. The program offers technical and cost-share assistance as an incentive to implement selected best management practices (BMP's). The basis of the program is to increase farm profitability and sustainability and encourage the voluntary installation of agricultural best management practices.
Applications are available at your local WVU Extension Office, online or by email from David Gardner GVCD Grassland Technician at dgardner@wvca.us.ﾠ Applications must be received by the Greenbrier Valley Conservation District Office in Lewisburg, by 4 p.m. on March 1. Applications sent by mail, email or fax will also be accepted.ﾠ For more information you may call the Greenbrier Valley Conservation District at 304-645-6172 or your WVU Extension Office at 304-799-4852.

Pocahontas Producers Spring Sale schedule for 2012
Saturday, March 24, 2 p.m., Regular Sale
Friday, April 13, 7:30 p.m., Special Spring Calf Sale
Saturday, April 14, 2 p.m., Regular Sale
Saturday, April 28, 2 p.m., Regular Sale
Saturday, May 12, 2 p.m., Regular Sale
Saturday, June 9, 2 p.m., Regular Sale
No sales in July. Regular sales will continue in August.

WVU Extension Day at Legislature
West Virginia University Extension will host WVU Extension Day at the Legislature on Tuesday, February 21, at the State Capitol in Charleston. ﾠAll volunteers and supporters of Extension-sponsored activities are invited to take part in this event. ﾠThe day will showcase the many facets of Extension programming including 4-H Youth, agriculture, families and health. ﾠParticipants will have the opportunity to observe floor sessions of the House and Senate, meet with their delegates and senators, tour the Capitol, and view exhibits. Anyone interested in attending should call the Extension Office at 304-799-4852 as soon as possible.

Lego Robotics
Four-H members or leaders interested in learning about LegoRobotics should contact the WVU Extension Office at 304-799-4852 by Wednesday, February 1.

Master Gardener sign-up
The WVU Extension Service is now accepting sign-ups for this Spring's West Virginia Master Gardener Training Course.ﾠ Each of the 10 classes will be approximately three hours long for a total of 30 hours of classroom training.ﾠ The course schedule will be announced following sign-up.ﾠ Cost for the course will be $80.ﾠ Sign-up deadline is Friday, February 3.ﾠ Those who signed up in August, when we were unable to offer the training, should call and sign up again if still interested.ﾠ Call the WVU Extension Office at 304-799-4852 for more information or to sign up for the course.

WV Agricultural Enhancement Program funding available
The Greenbrier Valley Conservation District is currently taking applications for the 2012 AEP Program.ﾠ The West Virginia Agriculture Enhancement Program (WV AEP) is a pilot program administered by the West Virginia Conservation Agency through local Conservation Districts to increase farm productivity by conserving soil and making wise use of agricultural resources and to improve water quality in the state's streams and rivers. The program offers technical and cost-share assistance as an incentive to implement selected best management practices (BMPs). The basis of the program is to increase farm profitability and sustainability and encourage the voluntary installation of agricultural best management practices.
Applications are available at your local WVU Extension Office, online or by email from David Gardner GVCD Grassland Technician at dgardner@wvca.us Applications must be received by the Greenbrier Valley Conservation District Office in Lewisburg by 4 p.m. on March 1. Applications sent by mail, email or fax will also be accepted.ﾠ For more information you may call the Greenbrier Valley Conservation District at 304-645-6172 or your WVU Extension Office at 304-799-4852.

Eighth annual WV Small Farms Conference
The eighth annual West Virginia Small Farm Conference will be held March 1-3 at the Waterfront Place Hotel and Conference Center in Morgantown. Registration and schedule are available online at www.smallfarmcenter.ext.wvu/conference

4-H Leaders Association Meeting
All 4-H leaders are invited to attend the next Leaders Association Meeting Thursday, January 26, at 6 p.m. in the Extension Office.

Poster and Photo Contests
All entries in the county poster and photo contestsﾠare due in the Extension Office by January 31.ﾠ If you have questions, contact your local 4-H club leader or the Extension Office.

State 4-H Weekend Camps
All 4-H members in grades six and up should have received a postcard about State Dance Camp and Teen Leaders Weekend.ﾠ Any 4-Her who did not receive this information should call 304-799-4852.

Dramas, Fairs and Festivals applications
Grant applications are due in the Extension Office by February 1.ﾠ For more information or to acquire an application form, call the office at 304-799-4852.ﾠ
The Dramas, Fairs and Festivals Committee will meet Monday, February 13, at 10:30 a.m. in the Extension Office.

2012 WV 4-H Women's Basketball Day
All WV 4-Hers, their families and friends are invited to attend a WV 4-H Women's Basketball Day at the WVU Coliseum on Saturday, February 18, at 4 p.m. The cost is $18 per person and this includes a ticket to the WVU - DePaul Women's Game, a 4-H sweatshirt and insurance. Registration deadline for this game is Monday, February 6. Send check, made payable to the WV 4-H Alumni Association, and sweatshirt size to the Pocahontas County Extension Office, 900-E 10th Avenue, Marlinton WV 24954 before the deadline. In the event of snow and you are unable to attend, there will be no snow date and no refunds will be made, but sweatshirts will be delivered.

USDA Funding for Water Quality Markets
Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack has announced a funding opportunity that will bring states, USDA and other stakeholders together to enhance the effectiveness of water quality credit trading. USDA's Natural Resources Conservation Service is providing up to $10 million in Conservation Innovation Grants (CIG) for these projects, with up to $5 million focused on water quality credit trading in the Chesapeake Bay watershed. Proposals for projects are due March 2, 2012.
"For the first time USDA has offered funding specifically for water quality trading. We want to help states and other partners develop robust and meaningful markets," Vilsack said. "Our goal is to demonstrate that markets are a cost-effective way to improve water quality in places like the Chesapeake Bay watershed, and agricultural producers are critical to the function of these markets."
"Water quality credit trading is a market-based approach to lowering the costs of reducing pollution, and has the potential to engage more farmers in water quality improvement efforts through the implementation of more conservation practices on agricultural lands," said Kevin Wickey, West Virginia State Conservationist. "Through water quality credit trading, a producer who implements conservation practices to reduce water quality pollutants can also benefit by generating water quality market credits that could be sold in an open market, which would reduce the costs of implementing and maintaining the conservation practices." NRCS requests CIG proposals for projects that:
ﾷSupport the completion of state water quality market rules and infrastructure needed to carry out water quality trading between point and non-point sources;
ﾷDeploy and test tools and metrics needed for crediting and verifying the effectiveness of conservation practices on agricultural lands;
ﾷEstablish certification, registry and reporting systems; and
ﾷEducate and reach out to agriculture and other sectors.
CIG funds will be awarded through a competitive grants process. At least 50 percent of the total cost of CIG projects must come from non-Federal matching funds, including cash and in-kind contributions provided by the grant recipient. Projects must involve producers who are eligible for the NRCS Environmental Quality Incentives Program.
To apply electronically, visit Grants.gov or contact your local NRCS office.

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First Annual Educational Dinner Meeting
The WVU Extension Service will hold its first annual educational dinner meeting Tuesday, January 17, at 6:30 p.m. at the Marlinton Municipal Building.ﾠ Dr. Mark McCann, Beef Specialist at Virginia Tech, will be the featured speaker and will highlight key management steps to make economic sense in forage management. His remarks will focus on grazing management, stocking rate and financial decisions as they relate to stockers and cow-calf production. He will also discuss tools and strategies to get the most from framer's investment in harvested forages.
Attendance at this meeting will also be worth three (3) pesticide applicator recertification credits for categories Private Applicators and Category 11.
Attendees must RSVP to the Pocahontas County Extension Office at 304-799-4852 by Friday, January 13.ﾠﾠ For those who would like dinner, there will be a $3 charge to help cover the cost of dinner.

The Eighth Annual WV Small Farms Conference
The eighth annual WV Small Farms conference will be held March 1-3 at the Waterfront Place Hotel and Conference Center in Morgantown. Registration and schedule will be available online beginning Tuesday, January 3, at www.smallfarmcenter.ext.wvu/conference.

2012 WV 4-H Women's Basketball Day
All WV 4-Hers, their families and friends are invited to attend a WV 4-H Women's Basketball Day at the Charleston Civic Center Tuesday, January 17, at 7 p.m. The cost is $18 per person and includes a ticket to the WVU - Marshall Women's Game, a 4-H sweatshirt and insurance. Registration deadline for this game is Thursday, January 5. If you would like to attend, send your check payable to the WV 4-H Alumni Association and sweatshirt size to the Pocahontas County Extension Office, 900-E 10th Avenue, Marlinton WV 24954 before the deadline. In the event of snow and you are unable to attend, there will be no snow date and no refunds will be made, but sweatshirts will be delivered.
A WV 4-H Women's Basketball Day will also be held in February at WVU.

WVU Extension's 2012 Garden Calendars ﾠexplore family-friendly gardening
Gardening is a time honored tradition for many West Virginia families.ﾠ Not only does it provide a great opportunity for kids to learn about math and science in their own backyards, but it can also bring families closer together.ﾠ The 2012 WVU Extension Service Garden Calendar is designed with this in mind.
Throughout the year, gardeners will explore "Kids' Gardening Adventures" in the 2012 calendar.ﾠ It includes gardening articles written by WVU Extension experts with youth in mind. This year's calendar also exhibits exclusive artwork designed by West Virginia 4-Hers.ﾠ
The free garden calendar, WVU Extension Service's most-requested publication, is now available at the Pocahontas County WVU Extension office and at Pocahontas County USDA Service Center in Buckeye.
The monthly calendar and gardening guide offers information helpful to both beginning and avid gardeners. The calendar provides day-to-day planting and harvesting reminders for the entire year. Daily tips range from when to design your garden layout to when to prune bushes and turn compost.
In January, readers are reminded to order seeds and fertilizer for their spring garden. In February, reminders include tips about seeding vegetables indoors and cleaning dust from houseplants. The important notes continue throughout the growing season into December.
The calendar features a short article each month on gardening written to encourage children's interest in gardening and to increase family gardening knowledge. Learn to grow the ingredients for a pizza in your garden, including basil, oregano, onions, peppers and tomatoes.
Also outlined is how to start and build a garden project at school and how to distinguish garden-friendly bugs from pests. Each article is coupled with corresponding artwork created by 4-Hers from all over the state.
For the first time the calendar features QR codes that can send readers to more information from WVU Extension Service seamlessly from their smartphones. Once the QR code is scanned with a smartphone equipped with a QR code reader, readers will be sent to more information specific to that month's article.
The calendar lists the phone number of each county office of the WVU Extension Service.
To begin the 2012 gardening season with a green thumb, look to the experts. Pick up your WVU Extension Service Garden Calendar at the Pocahontas County office of the WVU Extension Service in the basement of the courthouse, or reserve your copy by calling 304-799-4852.

USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service announces sign-up forﾠUSDA's Natural Resources Conservation Service

(NRCS) announced that the ranking period cut-off date for the Conservation Stewardship Program (CSP) is January 13, 2012. Producers interested in CSP should submit applications to their local NRCS office by the deadline so their applications can be considered during the first ranking period of 2012. "CSP is one of our most popular conservation programs, and we expect to receive many applications," NRCS Chief Dave White said. "I encourage all farmers who are interested in applying to contact their local NRCS office as soon as possible so they can meet the deadline." CSP is offered through continuous sign-ups," said Kevin Wickey, West Virginia State Conservationist. "The program provides many conservation benefits including improvement of water and soil quality, wildlife habititat enhancements and adoption of conservation activities that address the effects of climate change. Eligible lands include cropland, pastureland and non-industrial private forest land." A CSP self-screening checklist is available to help potential applicants determine if CSP is suitable for their operation. The checklist highlights basic information about CSP eligibility requirements, contract obligations and potential payments. It is available from local NRCS offices and on the CSP webpage at http://www.nrcs.usda.gov/wps/portal/nrcs/main/national/programs/financial/csp. As part of the CSP application process, applicants will work with NRCS field personnel to complete the resource inventory using a Conservation Measurement Tool. This tool determines the conservation performance for existing and new conservation activities. The applicant's conservation performance will be used to determine eligibility, ranking and payments. In 2010 alone, nearly 21,000 applicants enrolled in CSP, putting additional conservation on 25.2 million acres, about the size of the state of Kentucky, to improve water and soil quality, enhance wildlife habitat and address the effects of climate change.
Visit the NRCS West Virginia website at http://www.wv.nrcs.usda.gov/ and connect with an NRCS office near you.

Road Map for the Food Economy
In the Spring of 2011 many producers attended the Regional Roundtable Series on Food and Farms, which included six events and engaged more than 230 people.ﾠ This event, hosted by a collaborative of partners including the West Virginia Food and Farm Coalition, WVU Extension Service, the WV Department of Education and others, was the first step in developing the West Virginia Food Charter - a roadmap for action that will help focus, measure and celebrate our collective progress toward a stronger local food system in West Virginia.
Now it's time to move to the next step. Producers are invited to join inﾠ a statewide roundtable convening on January 23 at the Bridgeport Conference Center, featuring concurrent, day-long sessions on key four food system issues: Youth and the Next Generation of Farmers;ﾠ Improving Institutional Food with Local Products; Viability of Food and Farm Businesses; andﾠ Improving Access to Healthy Local Food
Through lively activities and facilitated discussion, participants will share knowledge on their issue, discuss long-term collaborations, join working groups related to their interests and take the Regional Roundtable recommendations to the next level with a collaborative action plan.ﾠ Throughout the process, they will learn about action-planning methods that they can apply locally in their community.
Individuals, businesses, organizations and agencies involved with farming, gardening, food processing, food distribution, grocery stores, restaurants, 4-H and FFA, institutional food service, nutrition and food assistance programs, and food distribution through food banks, food pantries and soup kitchens, as well as those who attended the Regional Roundtable Series on Food and Farms are encouraged to participate.
Registration deadline is January 11.ﾠ This event is free. Lunch featuring locally produced food is included. Registration is now open at www.wvhub.org/wvffc/news/registration-now-open-road-map-food-economy-convening-jan-23
Limited travel stipends are available for those planning to use their personal resources to attend. Please apply on the registration form.
This event is hosted through a partnership of West Virginia Food and Farm Coalition, West Virginia University Extension and WV Small Farm Center, Center for Economic Options, West Virginia Office of Healthy Lifestyles, Change the Future West Virginia/ Mid-Ohio Valley Health Department, West Virginia Davis College of Agriculture, Natural Resources and Design, West Virginia Department of Education, West Virginia Community Development Hub and others.ﾠAdditional funding comes from the Claude Worthington Benedum Foundation and the Blue Moon Fund.

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Attention Private Applicators:
The WVU Extension Service will show a Pesticide Applicator's Recertification video at the McClintic Library in Marlinton Tuesday, December 20, at 6 p.m.ﾠ Attending the entire presentation will count as five (5) credits toward renewal of Private Applicator's License.ﾠ Everyone is welcome.ﾠ For more information call the WVU Extension office at 304-799-4852.

USDA announces ranking dates for three major
conservation initiatives

Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack announced the ranking dates for the On-Farm Energy, Organic and Seasonal High Tunnel conservation initiatives. All four initiatives offer technical and financial assistance through the Natural Resources Conservation Service's (NRCS) Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP).

"Producers tell us they want to apply for these initiatives, but many want more time to make sure they choose the one that's right for their operation," said Kevin Wickey, West Virginia State Conservationist. "Moving to multiple ranking dates for each initiative is going to make it easier for more producers to apply and help them get started with implementing the practices they need to benefit the natural resources on their operations."
NRCS accepts applications for financial assistance on a continuous basis throughout the year. There will be three ranking periods for the Organic, On-Farm Energy and Seasonal High Tunnel initiatives, all ending on February

3, March 30 and June 1, 2012. At the end of a ranking period, NRCS ranks all submitted proposals for funding consideration. NRCS will notify all applicants of the results of the rankings and begin developing contracts with selected applicants.

Initiative Overviews
On-Farm Energy Initiative: NRCS and producers develop Agricultural Energy Management Plans (AgEMP) or farm energy audits that assess energy consumption on an operation. NRCS then uses audit data to develop energy conservation recommendations. Each AgEMP has a landscape component that assesses equipment and farming processes and a farm headquarters component that assesses power usage and efficiencies in livestock buildings, grain handling operations, and similar facilities to support the farm operation.
Organic Initiative: NRCS helps certified organic growers and producers working to achieve organic certification install conservation practices for organic production. New for fiscal year 2012, applicants will be evaluated continuously during the ranking periods. Applications meeting or exceeding a threshold score may be approved for an EQIP contract before the end of the ranking period. Applications rating below the threshold score will be deferred to the next period. A new threshold score will be established at the beginning of each ranking period. This new scoring process allows organic producers to implement conservation practices in a timelier manner.
Seasonal High Tunnel Pilot Initiative: NRCS helps producers plan and implement high tunnels, steel-framed, polyethylene-covered structures that extend growing seasons in an environmentally safe manner. High tunnel benefits include better plant and soil quality, fewer nutrients and pesticides in the environment, and better air quality due to fewer vehicles being needed to transport crops. More than 4,000 high tunnels have been planned and implemented nationwide through this initiative over the past two years. Conservation practices installed through this initiative reduce airborne particulate matter and greenhouse gases and conserve energy. Visit the NRCS National website for more information on how to apply for these initiatives and connect with an NRCS office near you by calling 304-799-4317.

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Oil and natural gas educational meeting

The West Virginia University Extension Service will hold an oil and natural gas educational meeting on Thursday, November 3, at 6:30 p.m. at the Marlinton Municipal Building. John King of the West Virginia Department of Environmental Protection will discuss environmental issues related to oil and gas drilling; and George Patterson, Attorney at Law, will talk about lease agreements and issues pertaining to surface owner's rights.
Presentations and more information are available at the WVU Extension Service's Oil and Natural Gas website, anr.ext.wvu.edu/oil_gas
Information is also available by contacting WVU Extension agents Greg Hamons at 304-799-4852 or Brian Wickline at 304-772-3003.

Livestock Sales

Pocahontas Producers have scheduled the following livestock sales:
Saturday, November 12, 2 p.m. - Regular Sale
Saturday, December 10, 2 p.m. - Regular Sale
For more information contact Manager Sherry Sullenberger at 540-499-2718 or Greg Hamons at the WVU Extension Office, 304-799-4852.

Compost Your Leaves

Turn your autumn leaves into rich spring compost, advises Dr. Mary Beth Bennett, a West Virginia University Extension Service agent in Berkeley County.
Your vegetable patches or flower gardens will benefit from a little work this fall, she said.
Here are excerpts from a recent column she prepared for West Virginia gardeners:
First, save those fall lawn cuttings and leaves.
Place them in a container or a pile to provide compost for next year's garden.
Or, build a lasagna bed with the leaves and grass clippings. Earthworms and other beneficial organisms will love your soil, and weeds will be choked out.
Using the lasagna method in making your bed requires only a few simple steps.
Start with layers of black-and-white newspaper. Lay it directly on top of the grass or weeds, and thoroughly wet it. A nice thick layer-use 10 to 15 sheets of newspaper-will smother weeds and sod. The decaying green matter will form the foundation of your spring bed.
Pile on a couple of inches of moist topsoil to weigh down the paper layer and speed up the decomposition of the sod below.
Onto the bed, spread any fallen leaves, grass clippings or well-chopped kitchen waste you might generally put into your compost pile. But do not use meat or dairy products. For more composting tips and for details on what to use and what not to use, check this Cooperative Extension Service fact sheet: www.hgic.umd.edu/_media/documents/hg35_002.pdf
Add a thin layer of soil or finished compost. (While you're emptying flowerpots later this fall, toss the leftover potting soil onto the new bed.)
In the dead of winter while you peruse the new plant catalogs, your garden will be at work readying for spring. The layers of organic material will decompose giving you a rich new bed for your 2012 plants.
For more information on lasagna gardening, go to www.ourgardengang.com/lasagna_gardening.htm
For more gardening tips, check the West Virginia University Extension Service Garden Calendar and visit the WVU Extension Service's website, www.ext.wvu.edu

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CEOS fall luncheon:

"A Harvest of Memories"

The Pocahontas CEOS clubs invite current and potential new members to this year's fall luncheon at the McClintic Library in Marlinton on Saturday, October 22, beginning at noon.ﾠ Please arrive by 11:30 a.m. so the meal can begin promptly. This will be a covered dish luncheon, with baked ham provided by the County Council.ﾠﾠﾠ

CEOS clubs reorganizing

The Pocahontas County Community Educational Outreach Service clubs (formerly the Extension Homemakers) are reorganizing for the upcoming year.ﾠ The clubs meet monthly in a social setting to participate in educational programs dedicated to helping members continue to learn, gain leadership skills and inspire community involvement.ﾠ If you would like to join one of the four clubs in Pocahontas County, call the Extension Office at 304-799-4852.

Dramas, Fairs and Festivals applications

The Dramas, Fairs and Festivals Committee will meet Monday, November 14, at 10:30 a.m. in the Extension Office.ﾠ Applications are due in the Extension Office by November 1.ﾠ If you have questions or need an application form, please call the Extension Office.

Livestock Sales

Pocahontas Producers has several livestock sales scheduled in the upcoming weeks:
Saturday, October 22, 2 p.m. - Bred and Cull Cow Sale with Regular Sale
Saturday, November 12, 2 p.m. - Regular Sale
Saturday, December 10, 2 p.m. - Regular Sale
For more information, contact Manager Sherry Sullenberger at 540-499-2718 or Greg Hamons at the WVU Extension Office, 304-799-4852.

Compost Your Leaves

Turn your autumn leaves into rich spring compost, advises Dr. Mary Beth Bennett, a West Virginia University Extension Service agent in Berkeley County.
Your vegetable patches or flower gardens will benefit from a little work this fall, she said.
Here are excerpts from a recent column she prepared for West Virginia gardeners:
First, save those fall lawn cuttings and leaves.
Place them in a container or a pile to provide compost for next year's garden.
Or, build a lasagna bed with the leaves and grass clippings. Earthworms and other beneficial organisms will love your soil, and weeds will be choked out.
Using the lasagna method in making your bed requires only a few simple steps.
ﾷStart with layers of black-and-white newspaper. Lay it directly on top of the grass or weeds and thoroughly wet it. A nice thick layer-use 10 to 15 sheets of newspaper-will smother weeds and sod. The decaying green matter will form the foundation of your spring bed.
ﾕ Pile on a couple of inches of moist topsoil to weigh down the paper layer and speed up the decomposition of the sod below.
ﾕ Onto the bed, spread any fallen leaves, grass clippings or well-chopped kitchen waste you might generally put into your compost pile. But do not use meat or dairy products. For more composting tips and for details on what to use and what not to use, check this Cooperative Extension Service fact sheet: www.hgic.umd.edu/_media/documents/hg35_002.pdf
ﾕ Add a thin layer of soil or finished compost. While you're emptying flowerpots later this fall, toss the leftover potting soil onto the new bed.
In the dead of winter while you peruse the new plant catalogs, your garden will be at work readying for spring. The layers of organic material will decompose giving you a rich new bed for your 2012 plants.
For more information on lasagna gardening, go to this popular website:ﾠ www.ourgardengang.com/lasagna_gardening.htm
For more gardening tips, check the West Virginia University Extension Service Garden Calendar and visit the WVU Extension Service's website (www.ext.wvu.edu).

NE SARE Farmer Grants

Submission deadline for NE SARE Farmer Grants is December 1, 2011.
Are you a producer who has an innovative idea you would like to test? Is this idea something that could benefit you and other farmers? Do you like the idea of having some funding that could help you with project-related material expenses, including getting paid for your time?
Questions to ask yourself:
ﾕ Do I have a new or improved approach to producing a crop?
ﾕ Is there a variety of a crop or forage I would like to test in my area?ﾠ
ﾕ Do I have a product idea that I need to evaluate the market potential for?
ﾕ Do I have an equipment design idea that would be more appropriate for smaller producing farms or livestock?
ﾕ Do I have an idea that could increase my income, improve farm stewardship and/or benefit my community as a whole?
If you answered "yes" to any of these questions then applying for a NE SARE Farmers grant would be a great opportunity for you. Farmer Grants are funded up to $15,000 and submission deadlines are soon approaching. If you are interested in applying for a Farmer Grant contact your local Extension agent and visit www.nesare.org for additional information.

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Livestock Sales

Pocahontas Producers' schedule of upcoming livestock sales:
Saturday, October 22, 2 p.m. - Bred and Cull Cow Sale with Regular Sale
Saturday, November 12, 2 p.m. - Regular Sale
Saturday, December 10, 2 p.m. - Regular Sale
For more information contact Manager Sherry Sullenberger at 540-499-2718 or Greg Hamons at the WVU Extension Office by calling 304-799-4852.

Forget them not!
Perennials need annual care

Those plants in your garden may be called "perennials." But that designation does not mean they can be forgotten or ignored. Perennials need annual care.
In a recent newspaper column, Dr. Mary Beth Bennett, West Virginia University Extension Service agent in Berkeley County, explained ways gardeners should prepare their perennials for the winter. ﾠ
Here is an excerpt from her column on protecting perennials:
The perfect time for renovating that perennial garden is in October, after the first frost of the year. As the foliage dies and dries up, you can dig and divide most perennial plants that have overgrown an area or have started to decline from being overcrowded.ﾠ
Cut back the foliage. Dig up the roots and cut them into sections for replanting in a bigger area or for giving to friends.
Spring and early-summer blooming perennials, such as peonies and poppies, are usually divided in the fall or when foliage dies (mid-September through mid-October).
However, plants that flower in mid-to-late summer and fall, such as chrysanthemums and asters, should be divided in the spring before growth begins. Iris and daylilies usually are divided immediately after flowering.ﾠ
In late November, cut ornamental grasses back to within three inches of the crown. However, if you want to create winter interest-many gardeners love to see snow covered tall grasses-you can leave the grasses standing until spring.ﾠ ﾠ
Leaving some of the skeletonized plants in the garden over winter also may be beneficial. Not only are all those seed heads lovely to look at but they are even more attractive when over-wintering birds descend to feed on them or to seek shelter in the dead foliage.
Scores of perennials provide protein and oil-rich seeds for birds. The giant perennial sunflower (which blooms in October and November), willowleaf sunflower, coreopsis, asters, liatris, blackberry lily, coneflowers of all kinds, and many others provide a natural (and free) feast for your avian friends.
You can add compost in the fall, especially if you cut back perennials. Fall compost application saves you one spring chore. Although compost will add some nutrients, it has many other beneficial effects, such as adding organic matter and microorganisms.ﾠ
Tender summer bulbs (gladiolus, caladiums, cannas, crocosmias, dahlias and tuberous begonias) need to be dug in the fall and stored in a cool place where temperatures are above freezing.
Spring bulbs (daffodils, tulips and crocus) should be planted before the end of November to allow them time to get established. Do not plant them too early, or they may start growing above ground.ﾠ If you have rodents and similar pests, avoid tulips (which they love). Or, plant them with ground oyster shells (which rodents supposedly hate) or in wire cages or strawberry containers.
Finally, don't forget to water new perennials during the winter.
Because their roots have not yet adhered to the soil, new perennials will not survive their first winter without water. All the perennials and grasses you planted this year need to be watered at least twice a month during the winter.

Landowner Assistance Public Meetings Announced

The Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS), in partnership with local, state and federal government agencies, is planning a series of public meetings. These meetings will showcase NRCS assistance and activities available to landowners and communities to improve soil, water, air, plants, wildlife, and energy use.
NRCS program specialists will be available to provide information, answer questions, and sign-up applicants. Please plan to attend to find out what you can do to help improve environmental quality on your land. The participating agencies have a variety of programs-for agricultural producers, urban landowners, or just concerned citizens.
A meeting for Pocahontas, Monroe and Greenbrier counties is scheduled for Tuesday, October 18, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the State Fair Event Center/WVU Building in Lewisburg.
For additional information about landowner assistance public meetings, please contact Charlotte Elliott-Friend, Assistant State Conservationist-Civil Rights/Outreach, at 304-284-4247, or Charlotte.Elliott-Friend@wv.usda.gov, or contact your local NRCS office. Other meeting will be announced at a later date.
Persons with disabilities who require special accommodations and/or alternative means for communication of program information (Braille, large print, audiotape, etc.) associated with this meeting should contact Charlotte Elliott-Friend at 304-284-4247 at least one week prior to the meeting with his/her specific request.
USDA is an equal opportunity provider, employer and lender. To file a complaint of discrimination, write: USDA, Director, Office of Civil Rights, 1400 Independence Ave., S.W., Washington, D.C. 20250-9410 or call (800) 795-3272 (voice) or 202-720-6382 (TDD).
http://www.wv.nrcs.usda. gov/news/release/2011/11 sept30meeting.html

NE SARE Farmer Grants

Submission deadline for NE SARE Farmer Grants is December 1, 2011.
Are you a producer who has an innovative idea you would like to test? Is this idea something that could benefit you and other farmers? Do you like the idea of having some funding that could help you with project-related material expenses, including getting paid for your time?
Questions to ask yourself:
ﾷ Do I have a new or improved approach to producing a crop?
ﾷ Is there a variety of a crop or forage I would like to test in my area?ﾠﾠ
ﾷ Do I have a product idea that I need to evaluate the market potential for?
ﾷ Do I have an equipment design idea that would be more appropriate for smaller producing farms or livestock?
ﾷ Do I have an idea that could increase my income, improve farm stewardship and/or benefit my community as a whole?
If you answered "yes" to any of these questions then applying for a NE SARE Farmers grant would be a great opportunity for you. Farmer Grants are funded up to $15,000 and submission deadlines are soon approaching. If you are interested in applying for a Farmer Grant contact your local Extension agent and visit www.nesare.org for additional information.

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Livestock Sales

Pocahontas Producers will hold several livestock sales in the upcoming weeks. The schedule is as follows:

Friday, October 7, 7:30 p.m. - Clean-up Calf Sale

Friday, October 8, 2 p.m.- Regular Sale

Saturday, October 22, 2 p.m. - Bred and Cull Cow Sale with Regular Sale

Saturday, November 12, 2 p.m., Regular Sale

Extension Service lab. Given the high cost of fertilizers it is important to know the fertility status of your soil and how much or how little fertilizer is needed to achieve your desired yield. Late summer and fall are the best times to send in samples to avoid the spring rush and to allow time to evaluate soil analysis and develop a management plan and even possibly order fertilizers at lower, winter prices. Soil sample kits are available at the WVU Extension office or by calling 304-799-4852.

2011 GHP/GAP Training at WV State Fairground in Lewisburg
The West Virginia Department of Agriculture (WVDA) will conduct a Good Handling Practices/Good Agricultural Practices (GHP/GAP) training on Saturday, October 22.
Good Agricultural Practices (GAPs) are recommendations at the production level and beyond and are designed to help improve the quality and safety of produce. GAPs are becoming more commonplace as wholesale buyers are requiring third-party audits certifying that a farm/facility has developed and implemented a plan to minimize the risk of contamination. These audits are conducted in West Virginia by the Department of Agriculture in cooperation with the USDA and are fee based.
The GHP/GAP training conducted at the West Virginia State Fairground will be facilitated by Dr. Robert Williams, of Virginia Tech, and will provide participants with hands-on activities and information designed to introduce and prepare for these audits. Participation in the GHP/GAP program is voluntary at this time but does provide growers with access to larger markets such as supermarkets and retail distributors.ﾠ
This is not a certification class. It will give you the information needed to prepare you for a USDA certification of your farm.ﾠﾠﾠ
If you are a small farmer (Senior Farmers Market Program) who only sells at farmers markets, and you do not have plans on distributing to a larger market, you do not need a USDA certification, and this class is not necessary.
In the 2011 round of Specialty Crop Block Grant Program funding, the WVDA will be requesting funding available to producers on a cost-share basis to assist with the fee-based audits for certification. As a requirement of application for this cost-share funding, applicants will be required to participate in a workshop orientating and educating them to the GHP/GAP process. Participation in this event will make the entity represented eligible to apply for grant funding in the future.
The cost for participation in this qualifying workshop is $35 and includes materials and lunch. You may register for the conference or obtain more information by emailing Danielle Kisamore, Marketing Specialist at dkisamore@wvda.us or call 304-558-2210. Deadline to register is October 7.

Growers and homeowners can find research-based
information on growing apples
Late summer and fall is apple harvest time. With the enjoyment of eating apples comes a new online resource about growing apples. eXtension.org, the online component of national Cooperative Extension, just added a new resource area about apple production, cultivars and rootstocks for commercial apple producers, home gardeners, nursery professionals and anyone interested in growing and eating apples.
Researchers and Extension educators from several universities have assembled research-based apple production information on www.extension.org/apples. The information will help growers select rootstocks and cultivars, locate tree nurseries, plan and manage a planting, identify and manage diseases and pests and more. Home growers and consumers will find the information easily-accessible and interesting, helping them successfully grow apples and enjoy the right fruit at the right time.
eXtension.org/apples includes:
?Articles and photos of many facets of apple production
?Rootstock database with traits, descriptions and photos of many widely-available rootstocks and promising rootstocks in research trials
?Answers to frequently-asked questions
?Links to regional resources
?Sources for purchasing trees
?Videos produced by apple researchers and educators
?Access to experts via Ask an Expert and on Facebook, http://www.facebook.com/eApples
More to come
The University researchers and Extension educators are continuing to develop additional resources including a detailed cultivar database, interactive features, self-guided courses and more content for consumers. This core team was funded by a grant from USDA Specialty Crop Research Initiative (SCRI) to develop an eXtension Apples community of practice to help increase the productivity, profitability and sustainability of this specialty crop.
Industry experts interested in contributing to the apple information on eXtension should sign up for an eXtension ID at https://www.extension.org/people/login.

About eXtension
eXtension, http://www.extension.org, is a network of researchers and educators from Cooperative Extension services across the United States, government agencies and industry. eXtension is an educational resource that takes university-based research and turns it into practical information people can use to solve today's problems and develop skills to build a better future. Experts provide unbiased information in more than 40 resource areas including agriculture and animals, community and economics, energy and environment, home and family, and yard and garden.

National 4-H Science Day:ﾠ ﾑWired for Wind'
Everyone from eight to 80 is invited to the National 4-H Science Day Open House at NRAO's Green Bank Science Center on Wednesday, October 5, from 5:30-7:30 p.m.ﾠﾠ Pizza, drinks and all the materials needed for a fun experiment in building and testing wind turbines will be provided.ﾠ Contact the Science Center at 304-456-2150 or email gbt-tours@nrao.edu to register.

4-H Achievement ﾠNight / Officer's Training School
All 4-Hers, leaders and their families are invited to this year'sﾠ4-H Achievement Night and Officer's Training School to be held at Pocahontas County High School Thursday, September 29. Pizza will be served in the PCHS cafeteria at 6 p.m. with 4-H clubs supplying beverages and snacks.ﾠ Officer's Training School and a Leaders' Association Meeting will begin at 6:30 p.m., followed by Achievement Night.ﾠ There will also be activities and classes for 4-Hers who are not officers, so we encourage everyone to attend.

Frozen Food Sale
The 4-HﾠFall Frozen Food Sale is now in progress.ﾠ All orders are due in the Extension Office by September 27.ﾠ Order forms can be obtained by calling the Extension Office, 304-799-4852.ﾠ The frozen food sale is sponsored by the Pocahontas County 4-H Leaders Association.

Extension Service Committee Meeting
The WVU Pocahontas County Extension Service Committee will meet in the Extension Office Tuesday, September 27, at 6 p.m..ﾠ

4-H Achievement Night/ Officer's Training School
All 4-Hers, leaders and families are invited to this year's 4-H Achievement Night and Officer Training School which will be held at Pocahontas County High School on Thursday, September 29. Pizza will be served in the cafeteria at 6 p.m., and 4-H clubs will supply beverages and snacks.

Officer Training School and a Leaders Association Meeting will begin at 6:30 p.m., followed by Achievement Night.ﾠ There will be activities and classes for 4-Hers who are not officers, so everyone is encouraged to attend.

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