Mountaineer FarmTalk

10/03/2025

WVU Extension has an upcoming webinar featuring our very own Dr. Scott Bowdridge, WVU Extension Livestock Specialist and WVU Davis College Professor who will present "Selecting for healthy sheep is within our grasp." The webinar, hosted by University Idaho Extension, Utah State University Extension and South Dakota State University Extension, will be held October 8 at 2 p.m. (EST). To register, please use QR Code in image below or click on link: https://uidaho.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_fWiLWKvuS2-dx3AJnWotNw #/registration

09/29/2025

08/14/2025

ROADTRIP! Join us on September 2-4 for a regional agritourism bus tour, visiting operations here in West Virginia, as well as Virginia, North Carolina, and Tennessee!
This trip is open to all levels of agritourism operators, educators, and service producers, whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned pro. Bus, admission fees, and most meals will be covered. The participant is responsible for lodging. Register by Sunday, August 17 to be a part of this exciting tour! 🤩🌻🍓

Register and find more information here ➡ https://tr.ee/a7BjBo

04/09/2025

We have had an Agritourism Conference in WV in over 2 decades...this is a don't miss opportunity for a 1/2 day of tours and a full day of learning for industry experts for only $30...DON'T MISS this excellent opportunity!

Registration is open for the West Virginia Agritourism Conference happening April 24-25, 2025 at Canaan Valley Resort in Davis, WV.

The 2025 West Virginia Agritourism Conference will bring together agritourism stakeholders, including operators, educators, and related businesses, to share current initiatives and industry developments, gain practical tools to start or expand an agritourism business and develop strategic partnerships for the future of agritourism in West Virginia. The event will feature expert panels, educational sessions, inspiring agritourism tours, networking opportunities, and a wide variety of industry-focused exhibitors and vendors.

Learn more and register at https://extension.wvu.edu/conferences/agritourism

For more information, contact:
Dee Singh-Knights at [email protected] or 304-293-7606
Maggie Blankenship at [email protected] or 304-558-2210

02/05/2025

10th Annual Fridays in the Garden workshops are being held at South Parkersburg Baptist Church at noon starting this Friday. The church is located at 1655 Blizzard Drive, Parkersburg, WV. If you are a WVU Extension Master Gardener, beginning gardener, or a backyard gardener, all are welcome for FREE. There will be lots of good snacks and door prizes too! This series is sponsored by WVU Extension in Wood County and the Wood County Master Gardeners. For more information call JJ Barrett at 304-424-1960 (office) or 304-494-8377 (cell) or email him at [email protected].

Friday, February 7 @ 12:00 pm ~ Practical Tips for a Healthy Soil by
J.J. Barrett of WVU Extension; Starting Seeds and Growing Vegetables by John Morgan of Bob’s Market

Friday, February 14 @ 12:00 pm ~ Tomato Care / Variety Selection by J.J. Barrett of WVU Extension; Rooted in Love! White Pickett Experience by Deb Hartshorn of White Pickett Farms

Friday, February 21 @ 12:00 pm ~ Evergreens for the Home Landscape by J.J. Barrett by WVU Extension; All About Roses by
Dave Fleming of Fleming Nursery

Friday, February 28 @ 12:00 pm ~ Tree of Heaven & Spotted Lanternfly by J.J. Barrett of WVU Extension; Herbs for Health and Wellness by Dave Hawkins of Mother Earth Foods.

01/20/2025

We have an upcoming 6-week WV Agritourism Online Course on every other Tuesday evening that all WV Service Provider, CVB or Economic Development Authority or current or aspiring Ag producer should consider taking to add a component of agritourism your community's offering or as a farm diversification strategy for your production operation or as beginning farmer. It is virtual, and participants will be able to access all information even if they miss a session or two. The class starts Tuesday, Jan 21. The class is significantly discounted because of grant funding - participants pay $35 but receive all class materials and an Agritourism Liability sign valued at $60 the direct link for registration is https://secure.touchnet.net/C20389_ustores/web/product_detail.jsp?PRODUCTID=4707&SINGLESTORE=true.

01/20/2025

Livestock Predator Management Workshop set for Thursday, February 13, 2025 at 6:30 PM at the Ritchie County Fairgrounds Harrisville WV. Event is free but registration is requested. Contact NRCS at 304-422-9072 ext. 120 to register. Light refreshment will be provided. USDA is an equal opportunity provider and employer

01/16/2025

Are you a produce grower interested in learning more about produce safety and meeting buyers’ expectations. If so, we have several training opportunities for you in 2025. The cost is ONLY $35 per class per family/business and covers your manuals and completion certificates. This price is a STEAL due to grant funding.
*January 29, 2025 ~Produce Safety Alliance (PSA) Grower Training (online via ZOOM)
*February 26, 2025 ~ PSA Grower Training Course (in person at WV Small Farm Conference)
The is one way to satisfy the FSMA Produce Safety Rule requirement outlined in § 112.22(c). There is a separate registration link for Small Farms Conference. Watch for details
and visit: https://extension.wvu.edu/conferences/small-farm-conference
*February 12, 2025 ~ Writing Your Farm Food Safety Plan (online via ZOOM) Registration deadline is January 30, 2025
March 11, 2025 ~ Writing Your Farm Food Safety Plan (online via ZOOM) Registration deadline is February 27, 2025
Learn how to put your farm‘s produce safety objectives into action by building a usable Food Safety Plan (plan required for GAP certification).

Register today for one or more of these training opportunities at: https://secure.touchnet.net/C20389_ustores/web/store_main.jsp?STOREID=1&SINGLESTORE=true. For questions, contact: Dee Singh-Knights at 304-293-7606 or [email protected].