UConn Extension is hosting a HPAI update for Connecticut livestock and poultry farmers. This free webinar is being held on Thursday, March 6th from 12:30-1:30 PM and will include pertinent updates and information for your farm. Topics include: HPAI Update from the Connecticut State Veterinarian HPAI Trends and Testing from the Connecticut Veterinary Medical Diagnostic […]
Developing a Biosecurity Plan for Your Livestock or Poultry Operation
A biosecurity plan is a proactive protocol for maintaining the health of animals and people that interact with production or hobby enterprises. The goal of biosecurity is to prevent the introduction and spread of disease-causing pathogens within and between groups of animals and humans. The factsheet integrates a ‘One Health’ approach and is intended for use by livestock operation managers, hobbyists, and others that work closely with poultry and livestock species. The best practices included in this resource may apply to any of the following: chickens, ducks, cattle, goats, sheep, pigs, and other domestic livestock.
Urban Farming Training Program Starting in March
The Urban Farmer Training Program is designed to provide training to those who want to farm in the city. In 2025 it will be held online, Wednesday evenings from March 12-May 7, 2025 (6:30-8:30 pm). For more information about the program and how to sign up, see the attached flyer. Or sign up here! https://uconn.co1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_8H43zSjQJciN7RI Topics […]
Planning for the Future of Your Farm Event
Interested in resources for your farm? Lucky for you, there are plenty! Connecticut farmers and agricultural landowners are invited to attend Connecticut Farmland Trust’s “Planning for the Future of Your Farm” informational session on Wednesday, February 26th from 6:00-8:00 pm at the Killingly Town Hall at 172 Main Street, Danielson, CT 06239. Join speakers from Connecticut Farmland […]
USDA RMA and FSA Crop Reporting Deadlines App
UConn Extension and the USDA RMA developed an app which will send reminders of crop insurance and NAP sign-up deadlines. All crops/products that are presently covered by the USDA RMA and USDA FSA in New England are in the app. Notifications will be sent via text and/or email (you select the method) 4 weeks and […]
Invasive Plant Triage for Habitat Managers in Connecticut
Invasive plants are non-native species that reduce native biodiversity, alter habitats, impact the economy, and pose significant threats to ecosystems. The task of managing invasive plants can quickly become overwhelming due to their aggressive establishment and the time, money, and persistence required to achieve positive outcomes. One practical approach is to use triage, an assessment practice that prioritizes invasive species management strategies by the degree of ecological damage to the site and the economic resources required for management. This paper explores the fundamentals of a triage approach to invasive plant management, including its components, challenges, and implementation strategies for effective invasive species management.
Insulin Resistance in Horses – Does It Matter?
Insulin resistance is defined as a reduced sensitivity of the body’s cells to insulin’s facilitation of glucose uptake. This article discusses equine insulin resistance including its causes, effects, diagnosis, treatment, and prevention.
Meet Matt Syrotiak
Matt Syrotiak ’24 (CAHNR) recently joined our team as the State 4-H Program Coordinator. Matt is from Bethlehem, Connecticut, and brings a wealth of leadership experience in 4-H and FFA to the role. Additionally, Matt is a proud UConn and CAHNR graduate; he earned a bachelor of science in animal science and is completing a […]
Black History Month
Black History Month Theme 2025: African Americans and Labor”, Invisible Changemakers of Industry The contributions of African Americans are intricately woven into America across time, industry and community. From the enslaved workers agricultural, industrial, and professional workers, there is an indelible footprint that shapes this country. Feb. 3-7: Before and During the Civil War Feb. […]
2025 Shearing School & Wool Quality Workshop
2025 SHEARING SCHOOL & WOOL QUALITY WORKSHOP put on by the Connecticut Sheep Breeders Association This event will take place on Sunday March 9th at the Radcliff Hicks Arena. For more information go to https://ctsheep.com/
Yogurt, Kefir and Other Choices at the Supermarket
Yogurt is one of the most popular dairy products among Americans. The yogurt section in the supermarket continues to expand, and the many choices can be confusing. Nutritionally, yogurt is a good source of protein, calcium, and potassium. Most yogurts contain added sweeteners; however, it is usually sucrose, artificial flavors, and colors. Kefir is another fermented dairy product made by adding bacterial and yeast cultures to milk. Let’s look at some yogurt and kefir options in the dairy aisle.
Strategic Deworming and Preventing Reinfestation
As spring and warm weather approaches, horse owners typically consider deworming. Recent discussion has centered around how horse owners should switch from rotational deworming–or time-based deworming with the same drug–to strategic deworming also known as targeted or selective deworming. Following that will be consideration of ways to prevent reinfestation of horses that were dewormed.
Ag Mechanics Courses are Open
It’s that time of year again… UConn Extension Solid Ground is putting on the Ag Mechanic training! If you want to learn more about 2 or 4 stroke service and repair or chainsaw safety and much more, check out these courses. For more information and to register go to https://solidground.extension.uconn.edu/trainings/#agmech Title of […]
Attention Backyard Poultry Owners!
Attention Backyard Poultry Owners! Following proper biosecurity and food safety guidelines is key to keeping your flock and food safe. While Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) is a serious concern, it is not a food safety issue as long as you follow recommended precautions. ✅ Always cook poultry and eggs to a safe internal temperature (165°F). ✅ […]
Climate Smart Adaption Strategies for Beginning Farmers Course
Climate Smart Adaption Strategies for Beginning Farmers Course is now open! UConn Extension is coordinating two offerings of a Climate Smart Adaptation Strategies Course, beginning on February 3rd, 2025, and March 5th, 2025. This is an online course (with an optional in-person graduation) designed for new and beginning farmers in Connecticut who have 1-10 years […]
2025 FSMA Produce Safety Rule/Alliance Training Courses
UConn Extension is pleased to announce that two PSA Grower Training Courses are presently scheduled for late winter 2025. Registration is first come, first served, so please register early, no matter which course you plan to attend.Fsma Instructors: Indu Upadhyaya, Ph.D., Food Safety Specialist, UConn Cooperative Extension Diane Hirsch, MPH, Food Safety Specialist, UConn Jacqueline Kowalski, Urban […]
2025 Tri- State SARE Project Webinar Series
Pasture Based Systems for Sustainable Livestock Production All events will be 10 am to 12 pm. Open to service providers and farmers. No fee to attend. Register in advance. REGISTER at https://forms.office.com/r/gRqYQevGFk Wednesday, February 12, 2025 – Managing a pasture based system in today’s changing climate (webinar) with Kathy Soder (USDA ARS) Wednesday, March 5, 2025 – Pasture adaptation […]
Climate Smart Adaptation Strategies for Beginning Farmers Course
2025 Online Climate Smart Adaptation Strategies for Beginning Farmers Course UConn Extension is coordinating two offerings of a Climate Smart Adaptation Strategies Course, beginning on February 3rd, 2025, and March 5th, 2025. This is an online course (with an optional in-person graduation) designed for new and beginning farmers in Connecticut who have 1-10 years of […]
Registration OPEN – Farm Manager Summit 2025
UConn Extension’s Solid Ground Program team is SO very excited to invite farm managers to join us for our 2nd Farm Manager Summit! We have a great line-up of speakers for you. This event is designed for farm managers that are already working with a farm crew or are on the verge of making their first […]
Meet Nicole Davidow
Nicole Davidow recently joined our team as an Outreach Assistant for the Vegetable and Hemp Extension Program and is working alongside Shuresh Ghimire, our Vegetable Extension Specialist at the Tolland Extension Office. She is originally from Southington and received a bachelor’s degree in International Studies from Fairfield University, focusing on humanitarian crises, social justice issues, […]
Final two Livestock Producer Listening Sessions
There’s two more producer listening sessions from 10am- 2pm, hosted by UConn Extension’s Diversified Livestock Extension Field Based Specialist, MacKenzie White. Join her to share your needs, challenges, and aspirations as a livestock producer in Connecticut. The next session is virtual, on Thursday January 23rd, 2025. Use https://s.uconn.edu/livestocklisteningsession to join! The final session is Tuesday […]
Project Specialist Job Opening
UConn Extension at the College of Agriculture, Health and Natural Resources is seeking a Project Specialist to assist with implementation of the Expanding Connecticut Urban Agriculture through Vacant Lot Activation and Peri-Urban Farmland Access Linking project. Title: Project Specialist UConn College of Agriculture, Health and Natural Resources Department of Extension Location: 67 Stony Hill Rd., Bethel, […]
Meet Sara Tomis
Sara Tomis is our new assistant extension educator for One Health – Agriculture and Community Engagement. Sara is originally from Preston, Connecticut and earned a bachelor of science in agricultural education and outreach from UConn CAHNR and a master of science in agricultural education and communication with a specialization in Extension from the University of […]
Discover the Potential of Agritourism: Free Webinar on January 30
UConn Extension is excited to announce an upcoming agritourism webinar, offering farmers and agricultural business owners a unique opportunity to explore the possibilities of integrating tourism into their agricultural operations. This free, virtual event will take place on Thursday, January 30 from 2-4 PM, and will feature practical insights from seasoned experts and farmers who […]
Meet Danielle Fisher
Danielle Fisher joined UConn Extension in our New London County office as an educational program assistant during the fall of 2024. She is from Willington, and earned her bachelor of science in animal science from UConn. “I have been familiar with the Extension Service due to my degree from the College of Agriculture, Health, and […]
Early Bird Registration for UConn Advanced Horse Ownership Clinic
Early Bird Registration for the UConn Advanced Horse Ownership Clinic on Saturday, February 22, 2025, is now open! Take a deeper dive into the fundamentals of proper care and explore more advanced topics to guide you through every stage of being a knowledgeable and responsible horse owner. As a follow up to our first […]
Fact sheet explains issue of PFAS in New England shellfish
A new fact sheet created by the Connecticut, Rhode Island and Woods Hole Oceanographic Institute Sea grant programs explores the issue of so-called “forever chemicals” in New England shellfish. Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, commonly referred to as PFAS, are a family of thousands of different manufactured chemicals. PFAS have been in use since the 1940s […]
Major research investment focuses on key aspects of LIS ecosystem
In the largest award for Long Island Sound research in the history of the collaboration between the Connecticut and New York Sea Grant programs and the EPA’s Long Island Sound Study, 13 projects have been selected that will improve understanding of factors impacting several fish species, shellfish, water quality and restoration of the estuary’s salt […]
FSMA Final Agricultural Rule on Pre-harvest and Post-harvest
This factsheet outlines the update on Subpart E pre-harvest agricultural water releases in 2024 and requirements for post-harvest activities, according to the Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA) Produce Safety Rule, published in 2015. Pre-harvest agricultural water refers to water used during growing activities, such as for irrigation, and crop protection sprays.
Invasive Plant Factsheet Common mugwort (Artemisia vulgaris)
Mugwort (Artemisia vulgaris) is an invasive perennial frequently found in high elevation areas, disturbed habitats, meadows, valleys, and roadsides. Laboratory studies have found the presence of chemicals that could potentially suppress the growth of nearby plants.
Ag Mechanics Trainings Available
Our Upcoming Winter trainings for Ag Mechanics are up and ready to go! With some old favorites (like our chainsaw classes and walk-behind tractor) and some new opportunities like the Hand Tool Maintenance and Upkeep class. As someone that has taken a couple of these classes myself, I find that I am constantly pulling the skills I’ve […]
CAES Announces Renewal of the Spotted Lanternfly Quarantine for Connecticut
The Connecticut Agricultural Experiment Station (CAES) in cooperation with USDA APHIS Plant Protection and Quarantine (PPQ) continued to detect expanding populations of the spotted lanternfly (SLF) in Connecticut through 2023. The Director of CAES hereby announces the renewal of the Order of Quarantine for SLF that was established 1 July 2021, effective January 1, 2025. More information […]
Business of Farming Online Course
The first cohort for our Business of Farming hybrid class is starting Jan 3- right as the new year kicks off! If you want to get the business side of your farm to feel a little more concrete, this should help! So why should you sign up for the Business of Farming? Even if you […]
2025 UConn Extension Vegetable and Small Fruit Growers’ Conference
Earlybird Registration closes on Dec. 29, 2024 Details When: Tuesday, January 7, 2025 Where: UConn Student Union, Storrs, CT Registration Information: Regular: $50.00 (ends December 29, 2024 at 11:59 PM) Late (starting on December 30, 2024): $70.00 Student: $35.00 Register at: s.uconn.edu/vfcregistration Online registration will be open until January 5, 2025 at 11:59 p.m. Walk-in registration may be available but […]
Happy Holidays from UConn Extension
Happy holidays from all of us at UConn Extension. We wish you all a happy and healthy season and new year!
Construyendo Comunidades a Través de la Nutrición: Dianisi Torres y los Programas de UConn Extension en Windham
Los programas comunitarios de nutrición de UConn Extension se centran en mucho más que educación: enfatizan el fomento de conexiones y la creación de un sentido de pertenencia. Dianisi Torres ’17 (Neag), Asistente de Programas Educativos, lidera el Programa Ampliado de Educación en Alimentación y Nutrición (EFNEP) y las iniciativas SNAP-Ed en Windham. Para Torres, […]
New Online Certificate – FARM RISK MANAGEMENT
New Online Certificate – FARM RISK MANAGEMENT: In-Depth Strategies for Effective Farm Risk Management This unique program from UConn’s College of Agriculture, Health and Natural Resources focuses on critical topics for the agriculture industry, farm risk management. Farm risk management involves understanding and mitigating factors that can impact agricultural operations, such as climate change, pest management, […]
Some Regulations and Codes Related to Commercial Greenhouse Construction in Connecticut
Under Section 1-1(q) of Connecticut General Statutes, greenhouses and other structures, used primarily for the production of horticultural commodities, are considered agriculture and farming. This fact sheet explores some Regulations and Codes related to commerical greenhouses in Connecticut.
Pasta Alternatives
Pasta is one food that many Americans use as a daily, weeknight and weekend, staple. It is easy to prepare and well-liked by everyone, including kids. A decade ago, the only options were regular and whole wheat. Now options abound and the choices can be confusing to consumers. Which pastas are the most nutritious? Pasta has often been maligned because of its carbohydrate content. Many fad and Keto diets recommend avoiding traditional white pasta, due to the refined grains and carbohydrate content. However, pasta remains a key component of many healthy eating patterns.
The Health Benefits of Chickpeas
Americans have dramatically increased the use of chickpeas in their diets, over the past few years, particularly in the form of hummus. Chickpeas have so many nutritional and health benefits – adding them to the diet is a big nutritional boost. They are inexpensive and versatile to add to many dishes. This article looks at chickpeas and their health benefits.