Penn State Cooperative Extension in the Northeast and Susquehanna Region is sponsoring a regional meat goat producer's conference on Saturday, February 1, 2003 in Hazelton. This conference is intended for meat goat producers and those interested in investigation meat goat production as an alternative farm enterprise.

Conference topics include: Meat Goat Breeds and Breeding, Efficient Handling of Meat Goats, Integrated Pasture Management, Targeting the Ethnic Market, and Using the Internet to Market Meat Goats. There will also be a panel question and answer session featuring all of the conference speakers. Featured speakers include Susan Schoenian, Area Agent-Sheep and Goats, Western Maryland Research and Education Center; Bob Leib, meat goat owner and breeder; Dr. Bob Herr, meat goat owner and broker; and Mike Matosky, NE PA e-TAP program. Conference attendees will also receive an informational packet on meat goat production.

The conference will be held at the Genetti Lodge and Conference Center, Route 309 near Hazelton. The cost of the program is $20 per person, which includes lunch and educational materials. To register, send your name, address, phone number, and number attending along with a check for $20 per person to Meat Goat Program, Penn State Cooperative Extension, 925 Court Street, Honesdale, PA 18431. Checks should be payable to "Extension Special Account". The registration deadline is Jan. 24. You can also register by calling Dave Messersmith at the Penn State Cooperative Extension office in Wayne County at 570-253-5970, ext. 239.

Penn State programs are open to all persons regardless of age, ancestry, color, disability or handicap, national origin, race, religious creed, sex, sexual orientation, or veteran status. Registration is on a first come basis for the first 200 people, so please register early. More information, including a conference brochure, is available at: http://wayne.extension.psu.edu/Agriculture/Goat.html