>Extension will be hosting a certified food protection manager training on April 1 in Fairbanks and Palmer. The training will also be offered via videoconference in Barrow, Glenallen, Kotzebue and Sitka. The training will run from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. and has a $200 fee, which includes one certification exam. Register online by March 20, see the flier for more information or call 907-474-2420.

>Juneau agent Sarah Lewis has written two new publications about using Alaska foods. The Alaska Kids’ Healthy Harvest Cookbook features recipes for salmon, venison, potatoes, kale, carrots and zucchini. The second publication, Time for a Kale-abration, is all about kale and is designed to introduce children to kale in a fun and healthy way.

>Extension Veterinarian Lisa Lunn has released three new YouTube videos all about livestock. Livestock Body Condition Scoring, Medicating Livestock and Identifying Sick Livestock are all designed to help you care for your livestock. If you are looking for more information on caring for livestock, visit the Extension publications catalog or contact Lisa by email or at 474-7926

>Extension has joined with RightRisk to offer four free webinars for farmers, gardeners, landowners and others in Alaska starting March 11. The webinars will cover a variety of topics, including the 2014 farm bill and how Alaska farmers can manage risks. This series is a collaboration between the USDA Farm Service Agency and USDA Risk Management Agency. View the flier for more information and the complete schedule. Email info@erightrisk.com to register.

>The Tanana District Office is offering a series of food preservation workshops in Fairbanks. The workshops are scheduled for 6–9 p.m. the second Wednesday of each month, starting March 11 with water bath canning acidic foods. The full schedule and registration information are available online. Call the Tanana District Office at 474-1530 for more information.

>The Sustainable Agriculture Conference is scheduled for March 4–5. Conference topics include meat and vegetable production, marketing, starting a farm and many more. Preconference workshops are scheduled for March 3 on hydroponics and holistic farm management. Registration is available online and more information can be found on the conference website.

>Extension is excited about our new publication, An Alaska Herb Garden. A must-have for herb enthusiasts, this 74-page guide has sections on cultivating, harvesting, storing and using herbs as well as color photographs to help with identification. A useful recipe index helps you find different types of recipes or recipes that feature a specific herb. Pick up this $15 publication at any of our district offices or by calling 877-520-5211.

>Registration for the 2015 State Volunteer Forum has begun. The forum will be held on the UAF campus and the Westmark Hotel March 6–7. It will offer volunteers and others working in youth development an opportunity to share ideas, learn about project curriculum and related fun learning activities, through workshops and other hands-on activities. Preconference workshops will be March 5. The forum schedule and registration information are available online.

> For past announcements please visit our home page news archive.