County Extension office planning classes, training sessions

The University of Arkansas Cooperative Extension Services Carroll County office has several events planned for the next few weeks.

Pesticide Applicator Training will be held at 1 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 15, in the Carroll Electric Community Room in Berryville.

The class fee is $20. To RSVP, call 870-423-2958.

A PAT license is required for anyone in the state of Arkansas who wants to purchase or apply restricted-use pesticides.

The local office will offer a “Homesteaders Series” of classes starting Thursday, Feb. 29.

The first class will be held at the Carroll Electric Community Room in Berryville and will focus on backyard poultry. Attendees will have an opportunity to learn about different breeds, biosecurity, etc., as well as ways to use eggs and safe ways to store excess eggs.

The second session, on Thursday, March 7, also will be held in the Carroll Electric Community Room. Topics will include animal selection and finishing. Attendees will learn about selecting an animal for your herd and how to finish an animal off for butchering. Attendees also will watch a demonstration on how to make mozzarella cheese at home.

The third session will be held Thursday, March 14, in the Cornerstone Bank meeting room in Berryville. Topics will include planning your garden, with attendees learning tips and tricks to make your home garden flourish, and food preservation, with attendees learning about safe practices for water bath and pressure canning at home.

Each class starts at 6 p.m. The cost is $5 per class.

On Saturday, March 30, a sourdough starter class for beginners will be held in the Carroll Electric Community Room in Berryville. This event is a 4-H fundraiser.

Classes will be held at 10 a.m., noon, 2 p.m. and 4 p.m. The same materials will be taught in each class.

Each participant will leave with a sourdough starter.

The cost is $15 and spots are limited to 25 per time slot. Preregistration is required. Contact the Carroll County Extension Office at 870-423-2958 for more information or swing by 909 Freeman Switch Road in Berryville to register and pay.