| Experienced farmers, new farmers and youths all have something to learn at the Farm Opportunities Day conference hosted by the West Virginia University Extension Service.
The conference takes place on Saturday, March 21 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Glenville State College's WACO Center in Glenville.
Participants will learn more about marketing and increasing income with their farms with an emphasis in topics relevant to small farms around central West Virginia. Industry experts will work with small groups of farmers to provide trusted, research-based advice in various topics.
New for this year, participants can pick from seven tracks for a day-long intensive session to get more in-depth information about a topic. Attendees can choose from a track in farmers markets, technology, small ruminants, beef cattle, beekeeping, high tunnel production and a "beginner farmers" course.
Two unique, hands-on opportunities exist with the small ruminant track and the technology track, both new offerings. The small ruminant track gives participants training with sheep and goats to learn parasite control using eye-lid color and body condition scoring. Computer training sessions in the technology track will help producers looking to improve their record-keeping and technology use in their operation.
In addition to the training, participants will have the opportunity to network at a luncheon that showcases locally sourced foods courtesy of the WVU Extension Service Small Farm Center.
The conference registration fee is $10 for those registered by March 11, and $20 after. Those under the age of 18 are admitted free but must pre-register. Registration is available by calling your local county office of the WVU Extension Service, or online at www.anr.ext.wvu.edu/farm-opportunities
Connecting the people of West Virginia to the University's resources and programs is the primary goal of WVU Extension Service and its 55 offices throughout the state. Local experts, like WVU Extension's agents and specialists, work to help improve the lifestyles and well-being of youths, workforces, communities, farms and businesses through trusted research in the counties in which they serve.
For more information visit anr.ext.wvu.edu/farm-opportunities or contact Daisy Bailey, WVU Extension Service-Gilmer, 304-462-7061, or Calhoun, 304-354-6332.
| 
