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.
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.
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.
Cultivating Civil Discourse: A Guide for Adults and Youth
Civil discourse is crucial for fostering understanding and collaboration in a diverse society. Challenges with civil discourse can arise in homes, workplaces, and communities. Extension professionals use science-based information, create spaces where diverse perspectives can be used, and encourage active listening among program participants.
Say “Neigh” to Negativity: How Horses Can Help Us Find Lifelong Happiness
Article by Jenifer Nadeau As people that love horses, horses make us happy! This seems like a simplistic statement but when the pandemic hit I suddenly realized how much horses are a part of my own happiness. In the early days of the pandemic we weren’t really allowed to be on campus but I would […]
Job Opportunities
Looking for a new opportunity in 2025? We have several job openings, including: Assistant/Associate Extension Educator for Agriculture Business Management Visiting Assistant/Associate Educator in Food Systems Regional Aquaculture Liaison Assistant Extension Educator – Visiting Educational Program Assistant – Hartford County Assistant/Associate Extension Professor in Soil Science UConn CAHNR is searching for a Director of the […]
Rainfall and Root Rots in Commercial Fruit Operations
In orchards, excessive rainfall can lead to oversaturated soils, flooding, and standing water. As a result, observations of plant disease caused by soilborne pathogens often coincide. The excessive free moisture in water-logged soils is problematic for many reasons, the first being stress brought on by the plant roots not having access to oxygen.
Seniors Eating Well: Empowering Through Nutrition Education
As we age, maintaining a healthy diet becomes increasingly important to support overall wellness and quality of life. UConn Extension’s Seniors Eating Well program addresses this need by empowering older adults with the knowledge and resources to make informed dietary choices. Through engaging workshops, hands-on learning, and evidence-based education, this program supports Connecticut’s senior population […]
Getting Zoning Commission Approval for a Greenhouse
Whether expanding a greenhouse operation, or building a new one, zoning approval is required. In some communities, especially smaller ones, this may be easy to obtain. In others, a considerable expenditure in time and money may be required. This usually depends on the level of preparedness (including paperwork), the complexity of the regulations and the feelings of neighbors toward the business.
Wind Loads on Greenhouses
In most sections of the United States, the ‘wind load’ is the greatest force that a greenhouse will be subject to. Wind load can occur from hurricanes, tornados, or a sudden squall from a passing weather front. The wind forces that act on the greenhouse are influenced by numerous factors, including the basic wind speed, building orientation and exposure, height and shape of the greenhouse, and doors or vents that may be open at the time of the wind occurrence.
How Horse Enthusiasts Can Help Protect Water Bodies
Time on the water, either with or without horses, is often restorative and a fun way to cool off. A horse owner’s thoughts may turn to dreams of riding on the beach or swimming with horses. However, here are some considerations of horses around water bodies.
UConn Winter Horseback Riding Lesson Registration is Now Open!
UConn Winter Horseback Riding Lesson Registration is Now Open! There are lesson packages with flexible scheduling available in Dressage, Hunt Seat, Polo and Western at all levels. Come ride with us in one of the largest heated indoor arenas in the Northeast. Excellent GGT footing, experienced lesson horses, and exceptional instructors. Learn more and register […]
UConn EFNEP Food Demonstration with CitySeed Farmers Market at Dixwell Q-House
UConn Extension’s Expanded Food and Nutrition Education Program (EFNEP) recently re-established connections with the CitySeed Farmer’s Market at the New Haven Dixwell Q-House to provide healthy recipe ideas. This year, CitySeed completed its 20th Anniversary of providing Connecticut farm produce to New Haven residents. EFNEP nutrition educators offer ideas about how to prepare farm market […]
Registration Now Open for Foundations of Shellfish Farming
Foundations of Shellfish Farming – Registration open – Financial aid available! About: Foundations of Shellfish Farming is an in-person training course for new and prospective farmers and those who simply seek to learn more about aquaculture practices and techniques. Topics that will be covered include how to establish and operate a shellfish business; leasing and […]
New Solid Ground Classes
Hey Farmers! Learning season is starting up! And over at Solid Ground we want to help you with BUSINESS! Yup, each and every one of us is a small business, whether we like it or not, so we want to help you navigate the ins-and-outs of topics that are usually the most frustrating for […]
Equine Management: To Blanket or Not to Blanket
To blanket or not to blanket? Some scientists from Norway decided to give horses the chance to answer that question. In a paper entitled Horses can learn to use symbols to communicate their preferences, scientists taught 23 horses three different symbols that either meant ‘take blanket off’, ‘put blanket on’ or ‘no change’.
Upcoming Virtual Greenhouse Education Events
There is some upcoming virtual greenhouse education events with pesticide credits. NORTHEAST GREENHOUSE CONFERENCE WEBINARS Webinar #2: Game Planning Succession Planning by Reducing its Complexity Wednesday, November 13, 2024, 11:45am – 1:00pm ET Presenter: Seth Wilner, Extension Field Specialist, Agricultural Business Management, University of New Hampshire, Cooperative Extension Note: this session is not eligible for pesticide […]
Meet Qian (Rachel) Lei-Parent
Qian (Rachel) Lei-Parent recently joined our Middlesex County Extension Center and UConn Center for Land Use Education and Research (CLEAR) as an assistant extension geospatial educator. Qian has both of her B.S and M.S in Land Resources Management from Wuhan University, China. She received her Ph.D in natural resources from University of Connecticut focusing on […]
Enjoying the Winter with Your Horse
One of the benefits of living in places that experience true winter is the ability to enjoy the changing seasons. By being properly prepared, there is no reason not to enjoy winter horseback riding. Here are a few tips for being prepared, using the letters from the the song Let It Snow for inspiration.
Meet MacKenzie White
MacKenzie White joined UConn Extension as our Diversified Livestock Field Based Extension Specialist on November 1, 2024. MacKenzie grew up in Shapleigh, Maine and earned her associates of applied animal science from the Ratcliffe Hicks School of Agriculture at UConn, a bachelor of science in agriculture and natural resources with a minor in animal science […]
We’re Having a Brush Fire Season – Please be Aware
By Tom Worthley Once again in today’s weather forecast, no significant precipitation is anticipated for the next week or so. Warm temperatures and breezy conditions will prevail. We have experienced such conditions before and we tend to go about our daily activities without giving it much thought. Notable now, however, as opposed to other times […]
Lifecycle of Single Use Plastics
The number of single-use plastics that have been produced has increased alarmingly in recent years, with dire effects for wildlife, ecosystems, and human health everywhere. The cycle of plastics includes manufacturing, use, and disposal of these practical yet environmentally hazardous materials. This fact sheet attempts to educate the public on the harmful consequences of single-use plastics and the pressing need for change. and is useful for readers interested in information the use of single-use plastics, as well as help create awareness on single-use plastic effects on the health of animals and people.
Wrack Lines- Fall – Winter 2024/2025
We are thrilled to share the Fall-Winter 2024-25 issue of Wrack Lines with you! In this edition there are six youth writers who received the Wrack Lines Voices of Diverse Youth Scholarship shared their reflections and insights about nature and climate change in the Fall-Winter 2024-2025 issue of our biannual magazine. Three of the students are seniors at the […]
Low-Cost Emergency Supply Kit: Assemble Your Own Kit for Less
Emergency and weather-related events can lead to everything from power outages to evacuation, and preparing ahead of time can help reduce stress. Gathering supplies beforehand also ensures collecting the potentially wide range of needs of various household members. Although pre-assembled emergency supply kits are commercially available to purchase, a supply kit tailored to specific needs can be assembled inexpensively.
Understanding Spring frosts: Critical Temperatures, Freeze Injury, and Frost Protection in Connecticut Fruit Orchards
Late Spring frosts remain one of the most concerning and devastating weather events for fruit producers in the Northeast U.S. With a shifting climate and increasing weather instability, it is important to know what factors influence Spring frosts. Here, critical temperatures, freeze injury and frost protection are explored to help prepare for the future, keeping in mind that extreme weather events like this will likely continue to occur.