The West Virginia Department of Agriculture reminds the public about the upcoming Appalachian Grazing Conference, Mar. 9-11, at the Waterfront Plaza Hotel in Morgantown.

“This is another great opportunity for West Virginia farmers to hear from the leaders of the industry. From grass-based health to fencing 101, participants will be able to learn better techniques on a wide variety of topics,” said Commissioner of Agriculture Kent Leonhardt. “Our goal at the Department of Agriculture is to grow our agriculture industries and we are glad to play a small role in this conference.”

The conference is held every two years and offers informative presentations and demonstrations to farmers with cattle, goats and sheep. Participants will hear from America’s leading speakers on strategies designed to increase their profits. The Appalachian Grazing Conference is a cooperative of the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture, Southwest Pennsylvania Project Grass, USDA-Natural Resources Conservation Service in West Virginia and Pennsylvania, West Virginia Association of Conservation Districts, West Virginia Conservation Agency, West Virginia University Davis College of Agriculture, Natural Resources and Design and West Virginia University Extension Service.

“Agriculture of yesteryear is not the agriculture of today. In an ever-evolving world, our farmers and agricultural businesses need to have the newest techniques to compete,” stated WVDA Chief of Staff Norm Bailey. “This is a great opportunity for West Virginia farmers to get up to speed on the most efficient and profitable practices the industry has to offer.”

Many West Virginia Conservation Districts are offering scholarships to cover the conference fee. Call your local conservation district for more information or visit the conference website at: http://www.wvagc.com/.