Topics of discussion will include: soils and soil fertility, the value of cover crops, weed control, Ohio manure research, and emerging/new markets for soybeans.

Experts from across the state will be at the school to share their expertise.

For information, contact Marissa Mullett or Tammi Rogers at 622-2265.

Program targets area women farmers

More than 400 women operate farms in Coshocton County and 90 farms are principally operated by a woman. Coshocton County women who are full owners control almost 8,000 farmland acres. Almost 5,200 women operate farms in the 19-county Southeast Ohio region and more than 1,200 farms are principally operated by a woman. Women who are full owners control almost 92,000 farmland acres in Southeast Ohio.

Six area women farmers developed If Farming's My Job, Where's My Paycheck? for women farmers, working with IFO, a non-profit organization dedicated to promoting an agriculture that preserves and strengthens the economic, social, and environmental well-being of Ohio's farms, farm families, and rural communities (www.ifoh.org). The program is funded by Farm Aid, nonprofit organization whose mission is to keep family farmers on their land (www.farmaid.org).

After assessing their resources, participating women will define economic goals for themselves and their farms. Before developing a specific plan to increase their income and their profitability, Southeast Ohio women farmers will creatively explore ways to expand their resources by collaborative practices, in labor sharing, production preparation, marketing, and mentoring to name a few.

Interested women should call 800-372-6092, ext. 3, or e-mail sharon@ifoh.org to request a program flier or to make a reservation by providing name, complete address including county, phone number(s), acreage in production, and primary product line(s). The seminar fee of $10 for materials must be written to IFO and mailed by Feb. 23 to IFO, c/o Sharon D. Sachs, Program Manager, 59 W. Short St., Worthington, Ohio 43085-3560.