Should I be taking a multivitamin and mineral supplement? A current review

An estimated one third of adults and twenty-five percent of children in the United States take some form of multivitamin supplements. There are numerous brand name and generic options available at pharmacies, grocery stores, and online. The overall U.S. market for vitamins and mineral supplements is expected to exceed $4.8 billion annually in 2025. Demand has risen considerably since the COVID 19 pandemic, as consumers seek ways to boost immunity, improve mental wellness, manage stress, and support overall health.

Preparing Farm Operations for Extreme Summer Weather

Summer can bring extreme weather events, such as hurricanes and flooding. These, as well as seasonal changes, can pose risks for farm operations. Time spent on preparation early can mean time saved during extreme weather. This resource is part of a series of fact sheets and checklists for agricultural producers to inform short-term, immediate responses for farm operations, in preparation for impending extreme weather events. This fact sheet focuses on preparation strategies for the summer months.    

Fort Hill Farms: 2025 New England Green Pastures Award Winner

Fort Hill Farms in Thompson, Connecticut is the 2025 New England Green Pastures award winner for Connecticut. Led by Kies (Orr) and Jared LaVack, Fort Hill Farms exemplifies innovation, sustainability, and dedication to dairy excellence. As fourth-generation farmers, Kies and Jared have continued the Orr family legacy with a forward-thinking approach that blends tradition with […]

Solid Ground Offers Free Consultations for Farmers

Has this dryer season seen different disease and pest issues cropping up on the farm that you’re not sure what to do about?  Are you curious about how to better utilize your small space into a productive farm business?  Are you wondering if you could improve on your animal’s health by making some changes?  Our […]

Save the Date: 7th Annual CT Trails Symposium

Save the date for the Connecticut Greenways Council’s 7th annual Connecticut Trail Symposium at Manchester Community College on October 3rd! The theme is Trail Community: breaking down barriers, enhancing accessibility, trail alliance development, mentorship, and more. Request for Proposals Open until September 1: If you have a topic of interest you’d like to present in a break-out presentation session or as […]

Vermiculture: Reduce Your Manure through Worm Composting

Vermi is the Latin for worm. Vermiculture is the use of worms to break down organic wastes in compost and decaying matter. Worms break down the organic matter via their digestive processes. These earthworms are a specific type known as red worms, tiger worms, or red wigglers (Eisenia spp.). This fact sheet will discuss the use of worms and other beneficial insects, such as nematodes and praying mantises.  

Applications Open for UConn’s 2026 Master Gardener Program

UConn Extension is now accepting applications for its 2026 Master Gardener Program, a comprehensive educational initiative that combines horticultural training with community service. Applications must be submitted by Friday, October 17, 2025, to the location where applicants wish to take classes—either a county Extension Center or the Bartlett Arboretum. The Litchfield County cohort offers a flexible option […]

Renovating Horse Pastures

Many horse owners have concerns about their pastures. Often, they either have weeds appearing, or bare areas of land, both which can be the result of overgrazing. The opposite problem is that the pasture may be overgrown due to too few horses grazing it.  Whatever the pasture issue, there is a method that can be used easily to determine when it is time to do something about it. 

Exploring Extension Pop Up Events

Extension offers various opportunities for UConn students, including applying classroom knowledge in the field in independent study and other experiential learning opportunities to fulfilling careers after graduation and maintaining connection to advance the mission of the university as volunteers and partners. Pop-up events were held in Storrs and at all four regional campuses: Avery Point, […]

Finish Times of Connecticut Bedding Plants

When an ornamental crop is ready for sale (finish time) is the result of many interconnected factors. The theoretical optimal finish time is often not reached, as weather conditions, insects, diseases, and other factors that are not within the grower’s control can influence the rate of plant development.   Growers need to accurately time plantings to meet contract obligations and customer schedules. The data included is for finish times of common bedding and garden plants grown in Connecticut. 

Preparing Farm Operations for Extreme Weather: General Strategies for Producers

Extreme weather events and seasonal changes, including flooding, strong winds, and first frost, can pose risks for farm operations. Preparing for extreme weather can help mitigate impacts on farm workers, infrastructure, crops, and animals.  This resource is the first part of a series of fact sheets and checklists that can be used by producers to inform short-term and immediate responses for farm operations in preparation for impending extreme weather events. This factsheet focuses on general preparation strategies.  

The Gut-Mood Connection: How Your Microbiome Affects Well-being

Researchers and medical experts have become increasingly focused on how gut bacteria can potentially impact mental health. The gut-brain axis is the communication network that connects the gut and brain. These two organs are linked physically and biochemically in several ways. What you eat directly affects the structure and function of your brain and, ultimately, your mood.

Vital Signs: What They Mean and How to Take Them for Your Horse

Vital signs are physical indications that let you know that your horse is living, such as temperature, pulse and respiration. These signs can be observed, measured, and monitored to indicate the horse’s level of physical functioning.  Vital signs change with age, sex, weight, fitness, and condition. Any abnormalities in vital signs should prompt you to consult a veterinarian. In order to tell what is abnormal for your horse, you must first know what is normal.  

Fresh, Local, and Thriving: Celebrate National Farmers Market Week with Us

From August 3–9, UConn Extension is proud to join communities across the country in celebrating National Farmers Market Week—a time to recognize the vital role that farmers markets play in supporting local agriculture, strengthening community connections, and increasing access to fresh, nutritious food. Connecticut is home to over 100 farmers markets, each one a vibrant hub […]

USDA Assistance for Farmers

Creating a Farmers.gov Account Makes Receiving USDA Assistance Easy, Efficient Are you interested in working with the U.S. Department of Agriculture to start or grow your farm or private forest operation, but don’t know where to start? Whether you’re looking to access capital or disaster assistance through USDA’s Farm Service Agency (FSA) or address natural resource concerns […]

Preparing for Heavy Rain: What Residents and Farmers Can Do

Connecticut is expecting a significant rain event beginning Thursday afternoon and continuing into Friday morning. While this may lead to localized flooding, there are proactive steps you can take to protect your home, farm, and community. At UConn Extension, we believe in the power of preparation and community resilience. Here’s how you can get ready: […]

Full Circle at Fodor Farm

This summer, the Growing Gardens, Growing Health program welcomed back a familiar face – not as a participant, but as a dedicated summer Extension intern. Now a college student pursing a degree in Exercise Science, this young man first came to Fodor Farm as an eight-year–old, eager to dig his hands into the soil and […]

Why Supporting Local Agriculture Matters – and How You Can Get Involved

Connecticut and New England’s local farms and farmers markets are more than just places to buy fresh produce, they’re the backbone of a resilient, nutritious, and community-driven food system. Our farmers and farmers’ market organizers explain the impact of local agriculture and how you can be part of it, including through the Eastern States Exposition […]

The Nutritional Benefits of Nut & Seed Butters: A Consumer’s Guide

During the last decade, plant-based butters (nut and seed) have become more popular. In addition to peanut butter, there are numerous options from which to choose. Nut and seed butters have expanded in production, in part to provide options for people who are allergic to peanuts or tree nuts and offer new options.  This fact sheet provides a review of the nutritional benefits of various options.

Survey for Backyard Poultry Flock Owners

Are you raising a backyard flock? This survey is for you! Since March 2024, 70 cases of avian influenza A(H5) (H5 bird flu) have occurred in humans in the United States, mostly among workers exposed to infected dairy cows and commercial poultry farms. However, cases have also occurred among people exposed to birds kept in […]

Mosquito Season Alert: CT Horse & Livestock Owners Advised to Guard Against Mosquito-Borne Diseases

Preventative Measures are Key to Protection The Connecticut Department of Agriculture (CT DoAg) reminds the state’s horse and livestock community to take preventative measures to protect against mosquito-borne diseases this season, including West Nile virus (WNV) and eastern equine encephalitis (EEE). While Connecticut has not had any reported human or horse cases this season, the […]

Healthy Interactions with Animals at Fairs and Other Animal Events

Fairs and other events involving animals can be memory-makers for the whole family. However, understanding how to keep everyone healthy while attending is important, especially when engaging with the animals and their handlers. This fact sheet is for people interested in learning proper hygiene practices for interacting with animals in public settings.

Phrases to be Wary of When Reading Horse Classifieds

The first-time, prospective horse buyer might benefit from some insight into what you may read in an equine classified. Keep in mind the classified ad might mean just what it says. Included are some potential alternate definitions for some key phrases. They are broken them into categories that include discipline, training, horse’s condition, and owner’s preference. 

Things to look for when selecting a horse; key questions to ask

Horse ownership is an exciting prospect. If you are now at the point where you know that you have the means to financially support a horse, you have the knowledge on how to care for the horse, and you are able to ride, wanting to own your own horse that will meet your riding goals and needs is the next logical step. This fact sheet includes some Ideas for ‘screening’ your potential new horse. 

Questions to ask a Prospective Trainer

The role of a horse trainer is to prepare the horse  so that the horse is safe and responsive to your cues. This fact sheet contains a list of questions you should ask when looking for a trainer. It is important that you are on the same page, and you both agree on methodology.

Managing Botrytis on Bedding Plants

Bedding plants comprise an important segment of the Connecticut greenhouse industry, worth close to $350 million annually. These crops, which include pansy, geranium, bedding impatiens, New Guinea impatiens, snapdragon, coleus, and others are popular with home gardeners and in beautiful landscapes, and are sold in retail and wholesale outlets throughout the region. This fact sheet covers the identification of gray mold and its cause, and the impact and management of Botrytis cinerea in bedding plants. 

Survey: CT Native Perennial, Tree & Shrub Availability List

UConn is seeking your input on the impact of the Connecticut Native Perennial, Tree, & Shrub Availability List! We are seeking your feedback to explore the impacts of the resource as well as areas for improvement. This survey should take less than 5 minutes to complete and is anonymous. Complete the Survey at: https://uconn.co1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_0dE8XrXCL2hCG6a Thank you for your input! The Connecticut Native […]

Farm Biosecurity Tip: Write Out a Biosecurity Plan

Farm Biosecurity Tip: Write out a biosecurity plan. Thinking about biosecurity is a great first step–developing a well-thought-out plan is next. Make sure that all family members, employees, and other personnel that interact with animals on your operation know how to follow the biosecurity plan, and have the resources and training to do so. Review […]

Equine Flying Insect Control

Flying insects are always a nuisance, but their activity definitely increases in the summer. New fly control options, where we are defining new as non-traditional, involve combining the use of chemical or organic methods with manure management. 

Meet Giulia Gambale

Giulia Gambale recently joined our team as the Master Gardener Coordinator for New Haven County. She is originally from Peabody, Massachusetts, has a bachelor of arts in communication, and became a certified UConn Extension Master Gardener in 2023.   What is your area of interest and how did you get started with it?  Definitely vegetables, fruits […]

UConn Equine Extension Deworming Education Survey

The UConn Equine Extension Program is conducting a study to gather insight into the current deworming practices used by horse owners and equine professionals. We invite you to participate in a brief, 10-minute survey to help our team assess knowledge and awareness of deworming practices within the horse industry. Your input will help us better […]

July 17: School IPM Workshop

UConn Extension invites school and municipal grounds professionals to the annual School & Municipal Turf/Grounds Workshop on Thursday, July 17, 2025, at the UConn Turf Research Facility in Storrs, Connecticut. This full-day event delivers science-based presentations and hands-on learning designed to help professionals manage healthy, sustainable landscapes in schoolyards, parks, athletic fields, and other public […]

Farming is Hard. Really Hard.

By Jean Cardinale “Farming is hard work.” As a volunteer farmers’ market manager for 20 years, I said that phrase countless times. I knew from talking to farmers each season that they were dedicated to bringing their products to the public each week, no matter what challenges they faced, and that fueled my pursuit to […]

Hay Analysis: Its Importance and Interpretation

Having hay analyzed is the only way to determine the actual nutrient content of it. It is important to know this so that you can be sure your horse is consuming an adequate diet. There may or may not be a need to feed grain depending on the quality of the hay.  The better the quality of the hay, the less grain you will need to feed, which can be a significant savings.

Level Up Your Life Skills with Breadwinner

Can You Be a Breadwinner? Find Out in This New Financial Literacy Game Balancing work, groceries, bills, and your family’s health is no easy task, especially when time and money are tight. Breadwinner, a free online game developed by UConn Extension, turns these real-world challenges into a fast-paced and engaging simulation for teens and young adults. […]

Managing Flood Risks on Farms

This article provides flood-related information to Connecticut growers, particularly relevant to vegetable and fruit growers in flood-prone regions. It offers strategies to prepare for, respond to, and recover from flooding events, covering what actions to take, when to implement them, how to execute them, and why they are essential. 

Staying Safe on the Farm: Heat, Fire, Machinery & Animal Care

Connecticut farmers work hard year-round, but summer brings risks that demand extra attention. At UConn Extension, we’re committed to helping you protect your family, farm crew, pets, and livestock from summer hazards. Working in Extreme Heat Human and animal health are both vulnerable to summer’s soaring temperatures. Heat stress can lead to serious illness in […]

Farm Biosecurity Tip: Follow Reporting Guidelines

Farm Biosecurity Tip: Follow reporting guidelines for sick and deceased animals. If you notice a wild animal that is exhibiting signs of illness (such as HPAI) or a group of deceased birds, report your observations to the Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) Wildlife Division. The Connecticut Department of Agriculture (DoAg) State Veterinarian […]

Meet Jacqueline Crepeau

Jacqueline Crepeau joined our team this year as the Middlesex County Master Gardener Coordinator. She’s originally from Gainesville, Florida (Go Gators!) and is a lifelong learner. What is your area of interest? My primary area of interest is community-focused horticulture, particularly creating engaging and educational gardening spaces that foster collaboration, sustainability, and respect for the […]