News

Regional produce growers offered Good Handling and Agricultural Practices training

Fri, 27 Apr 2012 13:49:00 EST

Regional fruit and vegetable growers are encouraged to attend a training session on good handling and agricultural practices. The training take places Tuesday, May 15, from 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. in room 1317 of the main building at WVU-Parkersburg in Parkersburg, W.Va.

The training will help food producers ensure the quality and safety of the foods they grow and market. Topics covered include everything from food safety to production and delivery.

Participation in the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Good Handling Practices and Good Agricultural Practices program is voluntary for farmers and producers. Producers are not required to attend the training to sell produce commercially.

USDA Audit Programs like the Good Handling and Agricultural Practices verify that fruits and vegetables are produced, packed, handled, and stored in the safest manner possible to minimize risks of microbial food safety hazards.

This is not a certification class, but producers will learn about how to prepare for a USDA certification of a farm.

It is becoming more commonplace for large wholesale buyers to require third-party audits certifying that a farm/facility has developed and implemented a plan to minimize the risk of contamination.

Training participation could also make farmers eligible for cost-share assistance for Good Handling Practices and Good Agricultural Practices certification audits through the West Virginia Department of Agriculture.

Virginia Tech Associate Professor of Food Science and Technology Robert Williams will provide training and hands-on activities designed to prepare producers for audits.

This training is not designed for farmers who sell only at farmers markets and do not plan to distribute to a larger market. However, WVU Extension agents say all farmers could benefit from the information that will be covered.

“Farmers who understand the process and have the background information will know how to navigate the food safety measures required by larger markets, like supermarkets and retail distributors,” said Brandy Brabham, WVU Extension Service Roane County agriculture agent.

Immediately following the training, participants and other interested producers will have their choice to attend a brief USDA Farmers Market Nutrition Program voucher training or a food handler’s class. There are no additional fees for this training. However, participants must specify which training opportunities they wish to participate in when registering for the event.

Space is limited to 50 participants; pre-registration is strongly advised. To register or for more information, contact Jean Smith at the W.Va. Department of Agriculture (304-558-2210), or email jsmith@wvda.us. Pre-registration deadline is Friday, May 11.

Lunch will be provided. Meals are covered by grant funds from the WVU Health Sciences Research Center. Speaker expenses and associated participant materials will be covered by the USDA Specialty Crop Block Grant Program administered by the West Virginia Department of Agriculture.

The training is provided by the Mid-Ohio Valley Health Department, West Virginia Department of Agriculture, WVU Extension Service and the WVU Health Sciences Research Center.

-WVU-ES-

Media Contact
Cassie Waugh
Cassie.waugh@mail.wvu.edu
Office: 304-293-8735
Cell: 304-376-1829

WVU Extension Service to educate public on natural gas issues at free conference

Thu, 26 Apr 2012 14:59:00 EST

West Virginia University’s Extension Service will work to help the public gain a better understanding of natural gas issues in the state through a free, day-long conference in Morgantown on Wednesday, June 6 at the Morgantown Event Center.

The conference, Enhancing Public Understanding of Natural Gas Issues, runs from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. and features information regarding natural gas exploration in the Marcellus shale region.

Topics include public health issues; seismic testing; well site safety; private property taxation and insurance issues; and banking and financing.

“We hear from people in all 55 of the counties we serve that they’re confused about Marcellus shale and what it means to their community,” Jennifer Williams, director of the WVU Extension Service Agriculture and Natural Resources unit. “As educators we have a responsibility to help the public make informed decisions when it comes to private and public issues surrounding oil and natural gas.”

Representatives of the WVU Extension Service, WVU School of Medicine, US Geological Survey and the West Virginia Tax Department will speak about issues surrounding Marcellus shale.

Lunch, break snacks and parking are free to attendees. Pre-registration is recommended. Participants should pre-register by Friday, May 25.

Register by mail, e-mail, or fax by downloading and completing the registration form at www.anr.ext.wvu.edu/oil_gas. For more information, call Georgette Plaugher at 304-329-1391.

For more information on oil and natural gas programming in your community, visit www.anr.ext.wvu.edu/oil_gas, or contact your local office of the WVU Extension Service.

-WVU-ES-

Media contact
Cassie Waugh
Cassie.waugh@mail.wvu.edu
Office: 304-293-8735
Cell: 304-376-1829

Conservation camp helps teens explore the wild and wonderful side of West Virginia

Tue, 24 Apr 2012 15:39:00 EST

Teens can now register for the 2012 West Virginia State Conservation Camp which combines outdoor recreation activities with environmental and conservation education.

The camp takes place June 11 – 16 at Camp Caesar in Webster County. Registration is available to teens between the ages of 14 and 19 by visiting www.wvconservationcamp.com, or by calling WVU Extension Conservation Specialist and Camp Chairman Ben Spong at 304-293-9425.

The cost for the camp is $185. Scholarships may be available to those who qualify.

The annual environment-focused experience introduces teens to West Virginia’s natural resources and to the social and economic benefits associated with wisely using and managing the state’s resources.

Campers from across the state participate in a week of interactive workshops, assemblies, outdoor recreation, evening campfires and social events.

Morning class sessions cover topics such as wildlife management, fish management, forest protection, forest products, conservation law enforcement, nature awareness, watershed management, and parks and recreation.

During the afternoons, campers choose from among several classes in outdoor recreation activities, such as trap shooting, archery, rowing, outdoor cooking, fishing, rifle marksmanship and rappelling.

Camp instructors are natural resource professionals who, in addition to covering their subject matter, also introduce participants to career opportunities, educational requirements and suggestions for selecting appropriate post-secondary educational institutions for campers’ respective natural resource fields of interest.

Many of the campers attending State Conservation Camp receive a scholarship that covers all or part of the $185 camp fee. Scholarships are provided by garden clubs, conservation districts, hunting or fishing clubs, civic and youth organizations and similar groups.

The camp is supported by the West Virginia University Extension Service and other local, state, and federal agencies with natural resources management responsibilities.

—WVU-ES—

Media contact
Cassie Waugh
Office: 304-293-8735
Cell: 304-376-1829

Be part of the movement to end cyberbullying in the state

Wed, 11 Apr 2012 13:24:00 EST

West Virginia University Extension Service, in partnership with the West Virginia Legislature, will launch a new educational curriculum and campaign this fall to prevent cyberbullying. The campaign, known as “iRespect,” will be introduced to schools throughout the state.

Community members can now vote for their favorite graphic image for the campaign by visiting www.ext.wvu.edu.

The research-based curriculum is being developed by WVU Extension Service 4-H Youth Development. The curriculum will then be tested with youth focus groups throughout the state.

“We know that to get real results and to change behaviors we need to reach our youth,” said Susan England Lord, WVU Extension Service associate professor for Wyoming County. “Our curriculum is designed to reflect real-world situations and provoke conversations that help get to the root of the problem.”

Susan’s passion for preventing cyberbullying is rooted in the personal stories that were shared by youths from her community and around the state.

“This isn’t a nameless or faceless problem,” she said. “We might be looking at statistics and numbers, but these are real children who are at risk. This is the first step in a long battle to overcome bullying.”

The statistics are startling. According to an Anti-Safe Survey, four out of every ten youths are bullied online each day.

In April 2011, Governor Earl Ray Tomblin signed Senate Bill 213. The bill made it unlawful for a person to harass or abuse another person via a computer, mobile phone, PDA or other electronic communication device.

In February 2012, House of Delegates member Linda Phillips (D-Wyoming) announced the WVU Extension Service and West Virginia Legislature partnership to more than 700 4-H’ers attending WVU’s Day at the Legislature in Charleston. The 4-H’ers were then able to vote for a campaign name, eventually selecting “iRespect.”

In addition to the curriculum, training programs and a website are in the works.

For more information on youth development programs in the state, contact your local county office of the WVU Extension Service, or visit www.ext.wvu.edu.

-WVU-ES-

cw/4/10/12

Cassie Waugh
304-293-8735 (office)
304-376-1829 (cell)
Cassie.waugh@mail.wvu.edu

Cook up a recipe for a successful food business with WVU Extension Service and the Dept. of Agriculture

Wed, 04 Apr 2012 13:34:00 EST

Get a recipe for success in the food industry from West Virginia University Extension Service and the West Virginia Department of Agriculture. Business and food safety experts from across the state will offer classes as part of a two-day workshop on Tuesday, April 17 and Wednesday, April 18 at the WVU State Fair Building in Fairlea, W.Va.

“We want to teach people how to maximize their profits and successfully operate a business,” said Litha Sivanandan, WVU Extension food safety and preservation specialist. “This workshop can help prepare you for the hurdles, legal and otherwise, that new and potential business owners might face.”

Topics will include everything from developing a business plan and applying for loans, to determining prices, registering trademarks and buying insurance. Certifications, inspections, labeling requirements, responding to emergencies and marketing will also be covered.

Classes are geared toward business owners, producers, farmers, micro- and home-based businesses, farmers’ market vendors, restaurateurs.

Participants will also learn about resources like the WVU Business Incubator, which provides guidance in areas such as accounting, marketing and web development.

The program is being sponsored by the Greenbrier County Community Educational Outreach Service, in full partnership with the West Virginia Department of Agriculture; the WVU Davis College of Agriculture, Natural Resources and Design; and the WVU Extension Service.

The workshop is intended for business owners, producers and farmers, micro and home based businesses, food vendors, restaurateurs, farmers market vendors, and Extension educators. The fee for the two day program is $50.

Download the flyer (PDF) and agenda (Word file) for further details. For registration and more information, contact Kay Davis at 304-647-7408, kay.davis@mail.wvu.edu; or Beth Fluharty at 304-293-8588, beth.fluharty@mail.wvu.edu.

-WVU-ES-

mb 4/2/12

Contact:
Cassie Waugh
WVU Extension Communications
Office: 304-293-8735
Cell: 304-376-1829
Email: Cassie.Waugh@mail.wvu.edu

Recognizing one woman's lifetime commitment to agriculture

Fri, 23 Mar 2012 13:26:00 EST

WVU Extension’s Jennifer Williams to be honored by West Virginia Women’s Commission

When it comes to her role as director of the WVU Extension Service Agriculture and Natural Resources programs, Jennifer Williams is in familiar territory. Program development is a lot like farming, she explained.

“You plant a seed and then you have to have the patience to watch it grow,” said the former Upshur County WVU Extension agent. “But there are many outside factors that determine the success of that plant. Program development is just the same – outside factors beyond your control will influence the growth of a program. It takes patience to accept that.”

Williams’ patience has paid off. She will receive the Susan Dew Hoff Award from the West Virginia Women’s Commission on March 27 in Charleston. The award honors one woman each year who holds a nontraditional job title.

Williams has learned to develop patience during her time in the agriculture industry. She grew up helping her parents on their farm in Hardy County. This work inspired her to pursue a career in the field.

“My parents instilled in me a love of the land,” she said. “They taught me to value hard work and to have a good work ethic. Since the time I was young and involved in 4-H programs, I always wanted to be an Extension agent.”

Williams made her dreams come after finishing her bachelor’s degree in animal science and master’s degree in agriculture science from the Davis College of Agriculture, Natural Resources and Design at West Virginia University. She then served as a livestock marketing specialist with the West Virginia Department of Agriculture before taking the position of Extension agent in 1993.

She spent 10 years working on agriculture, natural resources, community and economic development, and youth development programming in Upshur County. She was then hired for her current role as director.

A woman serving as the agriculture director may have raised eyebrows in a different era, but Williams says that roles for women in agriculture aren’t uncommon, even if the industry is still very much viewed as a “man’s world.”

But, Williams never thought twice about pursuing a career in what she loves.

“I grew up on a large farm in a community that was centered on agriculture. It was what I knew and loved. I never wanted to do anything but that, and with hard work, dedication and commitment, you can succeed at anything.”

Williams feels fortunate to be working in a leadership role during such a pivotal time for the field.

“After years of agriculture being pushed aside, the future of the industry is so bright,” she said. “There’s a new appreciation for the field and what we do.”
Williams works with WVU Extension specialists and county agents to provide statewide, evidence-based educational programs in agriculture and natural resources focused on both youth and adult audiences.

The Unit offers programs in such areas as livestock production and management, grassland management, environmental stewardship, and farm and risk management.

Williams recently received the Woman in Agriculture Award from the West Virginia Department of Agriculture in 2011.

“When I’m honored by an organization, I don’t see it as recognition for my accomplishments alone,” she said. “My parents, co-workers, agriculturalists, and the people our programs served have helped me get to where I am today. I view awards as an honor for all of their contributions.”

For more information on WVU Extension’s Agriculture and Natural Resources programs, visit www.anr.ext.wvu.edu or contact Jennifer.Williams@mail.wvu.edu.

-WVU-ES-
cw 3/21/12

Contact:
Ann Bailey Berry
Office: 304-293-5691
Cell: 304-376-7740
email: Ann.Berry@mail.wvu.edu

Master Gardener Conference accepts non-member registration for the first time

Wed, 14 Mar 2012 13:39:00 EST

The West Virginia Master Gardener Program, a training and service program for expert gardeners from across the state, will open registration for the annual conference to the public for the first time this year.

The conference, which takes place Friday, April 13 to Sunday, April 15 at Marion County’s East Fairmont High School, will feature leading experts in the gardening industry. The theme is, “Gardening: Preserving Our Future.”

Workshop topics include food preservation, organic pest-free gardens, birding, small fruits, invasive species, heirloom tomatoes, and more. The conference workshops are geared toward mid-level to expert gardeners.

KDKA Radio’s Jessica Walliser, who serves as co-host of “The Organic Gardeners,” will give the keynote address on Saturday, April 14. Her presentation focuses on neglected annuals.

To register online or view a full schedule of workshops, visit www.mastergardeners.ext.wvu.edu. Participants can register for the full conference, plus additional workshops and day tours. The price for the full conference is $100 for Master Gardeners and $110 for the general public (non-master gardeners).

The West Virginia Master Gardener Association, in coordination with WVU Extension Service, educates members on the art and science of growing and caring for plants.

Members undergo 30 hours of training from gardening experts and must complete 30 hours of volunteer service before receiving certification. The result is a group of highly skilled gardeners who volunteer their time and knowledge to help enhance their local communities.

The conference is sponsored by Marion County Master Gardeners, West Virginia Master Gardener Association and WVU Extension Service.

Contact your local WVU Extension Service County Office for more information.

-WVU-ES-

Contact
Cassie Waugh
Cassie.waugh@mail.wvu.edu
Office: 304-293-8735
Cell: 304-376-1829

Dance Weekend Swings into WVU Jackson's Mill

Thu, 01 Mar 2012 13:31:00 EST

MEDIA ADVISORY

WHO: More than 440 West Virginia 4-H’ers and dance enthusiasts

WHAT: Learn heritage and folk dancing at the 2012 4-H Dance Weekend. The weekend provides an opportunity to learn classic dances from seasoned dance professionals. Each participant will attend eight different hour-long workshops based on his or her skill level.

WHEN: March 2 – 4, 2012

WHERE: WVU Jackson’s Mill, Weston, W.Va.

BEST FILMING OPPORTUNITIES:

Saturday, March 3

10:10– 11:10 a.m.
Advanced Couples Dancing in the Flameway Hall
Belly Dancing in the Electric Energy Center’s lower room

11:15 a.m. – 12:15 p.m.
Disco Dancing in the West Virginia Building
Swing Dancing in the Flameway Hall

1:30 – 2:30 p.m.
Hawaiian Dancing in the West Virginia Building
Ballroom Dancing in the Flameway Hall

3:45 – 4:45 p.m.
Waltz and Polkas in Harrison Cabin
Latin Line Dancing in the Greenbrier Room

For more than a century, WVU Extension’s 4-H program has focused on agricultural science, electricity, mechanics, entrepreneurship and natural sciences. Today, 4-H out-of-school opportunities also exist in subjects like rocketry, robotics, bio-fuels, renewable energy and computer science.

To learn more about new opportunities in the 4-H program, visit www.ext.wvu.edu, or contact your local WVU Extension Service.

—WVU-ES—

eb/3/1/12

Contact:
Ann Bailey Berry,
WVU Extension Communications
Office: 304-293-5691
Cell: 304-376-7740
E-mail: Ann.Berry@mail.wvu.edu

Camp volunteers and professionals encouraged to register for National Camping Institute

Wed, 15 Feb 2012 10:42:41 EST

West Virginia 4-H, long seen as a leader in the youth camping industry, invites camping volunteers and professionals to register for the National Camping Institute, scheduled for March 11 – 15 at WVU Jackson’s Mill near Weston, W.Va.

The conference features national camping experts and workshops from industry leaders. Registration is available at the conference website, www.nci.ext.wvu.edu.

The biennial conference brings together professional and volunteer camp organizers to share ideas, learn from workshops and plan for improvements in camping programs.

Anyone who works with youth in camping and other informal educational settings – including after school programs, church camps, residential youth camps, 4-H camps, YMCA and independent camps – is encouraged to attend.

“The best thing about the conference is that each participant brings their own unique ideas and everyone ‘talks camp,’” Jane Jopling, WVU Hardy County Extension agent and conference co-chair, said.

Workshops are offered Monday and Wednesday. Off-site tours across the state will take place Tuesday. Destinations include popular West Virginia sites, such as the New River Gorge and historic Charleston, W.Va.

Author, child therapist, and camping advocate Bob Ditter will be the keynote speaker during Monday’s opening session. Ditter will discuss the impact of building a camp community in the technology age.

Workshop topics include using online registration processes, incorporating STEM programming into camp and connecting campers to nature. Participants can select the workshops that best suit their needs.

The program received educational endorsement by the American Camp Associations’ Educational Endorsement Review Committee, meaning that continuing education credits are available for participants.

Monday night activities include exhibits from various camping-related businesses and a craft corner. Companies will provide information on food services, emergency services, insurance, craft supplies and computer software relevant to camp needs.

A representative of the American Camp Association will be available to discuss changes in the ACA Accreditation program.

This is the first time in the conference’s history that it will be hosted by West Virginia. WVU Extension’s 4-H Youth Development program developed the nation’s first state 4-H camping program, and WVU Jackson’s Mill is the country’s first state 4-H camp facility.

For more information on the conference, including registration, lodging and the complete schedule of workshops, visit the website at www.nci.ext.wvu.edu.

—WVU-ES—

bu—2/8/12

Cassie Waugh
WVU Extension Service
Office: 304-293-8735
Cell: 394-376-1829

West Virginia "ahead of the curve" on new USDA guidelines for school lunches

Thu, 02 Feb 2012 09:03:00 EST

When it comes to the state that ranks the third highest in the nation for obesity rates, it might be surprising to learn that West Virginia is slightly “ahead of the curve” when it comes to nutrition in school meals, according to Amy Gannon of the West Virginia University Extension Service.

In January, the U.S. Department of Agriculture released new guidelines for the nation’s school breakfast and lunch program. The new guidelines are focusing more on improved nutrition, which Gannon said is important since children often receive 2/3 of their meals during the school hours.

“This is by no means an overhaul of the school lunch system,” said Gannon, a youth specialist and registered dietitian with WVU Extension’s Family Nutrition Programs. “These new guidelines create more specific requirements for specific food groups, including vegetables, fruit, and whole grains, among others.”

The recommendations including increasing servings from specific vegetable groups like: dark greens (like spinach), dark oranges (like sweet potatoes), and legumes. Greater emphasis is placed on targeting vitamins A and C, as well as fiber.

West Virginia has actually been following a more strict set of nutrition guidelines since 2008, when Policy 4321.1 went into effect, according to Gannon. The state’s policy requires all lunches to contain at least one-third of the Recommended Daily Allowance for key nutrients.

There’s also greater emphasis placed on including nutrient-rich food and drinks that have fewer calories than typical offerings. This means serving more whole-grain foods, more fruits and vegetables, and low-fat or fat-free milk in school meals.

Gannon said many of these changes are needed for a nation in which many members of the next generation prefer processed foods and sweetened beverages over their healthy counterparts. She worries that this is particularly true of areas with high obesity rates, like West Virginia.

“When it comes to health and nutrition in our state, many people focus solely on the obesity epidemic,” Gannon said. “What people don’t often realize is that you can be overweight and undernourished, which is what we see with a portion of the children who receive SNAP benefits.”

SNAP is the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program. The program offers free/reduced-price lunches to families in need who meet eligibility requirements.

“Our state has already been enforcing a stricter set of nutrition criteria for programs relating to SNAP benefits,” Gannon said. “We’re making small steps in the right direction, and we hope that the new lunch guidelines are more in line with how people will be, or already are, eating in their own homes.”

For more information on health and nutrition programs in your community, contact your local county office of the WVU Extension Service or visit www.ext.wvu.edu.

—WVU-ES—

cw 2/1/12

Contact
Cassie Waugh
WVU Extension Service
Office: 304-293-8735
Cell: 304-376-1829