Penn State Cooperative Extension has played a key role in the success of many agriculture-related businesses.
"We would not be in business without Penn State Extension and their expertise," said Pat Frazier, owner of Lock Mountain Strawberries on Lock Mountain Road, west of Martinsburg.
Vernon Martin, owner of Piney Creek Greenhouse, north of Martinsburg, attributes a "very large part" of the greenhouse's success to Penn State Extension.
"If I can't grow the pretty products, I am not going to survive," Martin said.
Penn State Cooperative Extension's chief role is to bring research-based information into the lives of every resident, Extension Agent Tom Ford said.
"While our agricultural programs may take center stage, we work extensively in the areas of food safety, human nutrition, water quality, Marcellus Shale issues, youth development, business development and resource management," Ford said. "In essence, we often take very technical research and break it down for practical application by farmers, growers and area residents."
Martin, who grows flowers and vegetables and sells hanging baskets and planters, has been working with Penn State Extension for about 16 years.
"We use the extension, Tom Ford in particular, to maintain and adjust the pH [measure of acidity or alkalinity] of the fertilizer, which is very important to grow top-quality plants. He also helps me with pest control," Martin said. "Tom has helped us in marketing and merchandising."
Frazier has worked with Penn State Extension since he started his strawberry growing business in 2001.
"They have been involved in testing for diseases, measures to prevent diseases, and they know how and when to irrigate," Frazier said. "There is no aspect they haven't helped with, including marketing."
Both Frazier and Martin decided to ask the extension for help rather than another consultant.
Frazier, a former high school biology teacher, said he had done a lot of research seeking help.
"I retired and was looking for something to do that would be challenging and rewarding. I knew very little about strawberries," Frazier said. "I would be referred to different agencies to help and Penn State Extension kept popping up, so I contacted Tom Ford."
"They are local and very knowledgeable about this part of the state. They know the ecosystem and what it takes to raise and grow the best products and market a quality product," Martin said.
Frazier and Martin are just two of those who have received assistance through Penn State Extension and Ford.
"I work with every farmer/grower in the county each year through our pesticide education program. This number varies a bit year-to-year, but as a rule, about 380 licensed pesticide applicators attend update sessions annually in Blair [County]," Ford said.
Ford also said he makes between 75 and 90 farm visits in the county each year.
"While this is a rather a time-consuming process, it remains the best way to diagnose cropping system problems while allowing me to make an impact on an area farm and the farmer's bottom line," Ford said.
Mirror Staff Writer Walt Frank is at 946-7467.
