UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. -- Natural and organic beef products are one of the fastest-growing segments of the beef industry, and a series of educational meetings sponsored by Penn State Cooperative Extension at five locations across the state will provide beef producers with information on producing and marketing for the segment.

“New production methods, process certification, cost evaluation and innovative marketing are required to be successful in natural and organic beef production,” says John Comerford, associate professor of dairy and animal science in Penn State’s College of Agricultural Sciences. “The production methods are a little different and can incur higher costs than conventional. But, with some of the niche markets for these products, there’s enough added value that they can be profitable.”

Patty Neiner, director of Pennsylvania Certified Organic, will discuss the organic certification process as a featured speaker. The day-long program will present information on the economics of the beef enterprise, processing beef for direct and cooperative sales, and marketing issues for small beef producers. A panel of local farmers currently engaged in natural or organic beef production will help answer questions for anyone considering these enterprises.

A fee of $25 per person will cover all materials and lunch. A minimum enrollment is required, so attendees should register for the location they select as soon as possible. The meeting sites, dates and contact information are:

February 23: Farm and Home Center, Lancaster Contact: Paul Craig, 717-921-8803

March 1: Penn State Extension Center, Lewistown Contact: Tom Walker, 717-248-9618

March 8: Berks County Agricultural Center, Leesport Contact: Andrew Frankenfield, 610-489-4315 Mena Hautau, 610-378-1327

March 15: Washington County Extension Center, Washington Contact: Walt Bumgarner, 724-228-6881

April 12: Sullivan County Extension Center, Dushore Contact: Richard Smith, 570-928-8941

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EDITORS: Contact John Comerford at 814-863-3661, or by e-mail at jxc16@psu.edu.

Writer-Editor: Gary Abdullah 814-863-2708 gxa2@psu.edu