By Amy Harder, Associate Dean & Associate Director, UConn Extension Smith-Lever Funding UConn Extension provides nonformal education through the planning, implementation, and evaluation of programs intentionally designed to address critical issues relevant to the people of Connecticut. Critical issues are determined on a five-year basis and outlined in the University of Connecticut Research and Extension […]
Understanding Bird Flu: What You Need to Know
Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI), commonly referred to as bird flu, is making headlines again as it affects poultry populations across the United States. Whether you’re a backyard poultry keeper, a commercial producer, or a consumer concerned about food safety, it’s important to understand how this virus spreads and what you can do to minimize […]
May 31: Spring Gardening Event in Newtown
Join us for a Spring Gardening Event offered by the Fairfield County Agricultural Extension Council, Inc and the Horticulture Club of Newtown on Saturday, May 31st from 9:00am until 1:00pm at 45 Main Street in Newtown, in front of the Edmond Town Hall. The Fairfield County Agricultural Council, Inc (FCAEC), and UConn Extension Master Gardeners […]
Get Trusted Answers from Local Experts with UConn Extension
Have you ever stood in your garden wondering what’s wrong with a plant—or looked at a canning recipe and felt unsure if it’s truly safe? Maybe you’re a new landowner trying to make environmentally sound decisions, or simply want to grow better agricultural crops this season. Whatever your question, UConn Extension is here to help—with […]
SPRING is in the Air: Ideas of How to Prepare
After a long season with little color, when Spring arrives it’s great to see the greening of the grass and blooming flowers. Horses shedding definitely is another reminder. As a horse owner, when you think of the word SPRING, it can help bring to mind some tasks to focus on.
Protecting Beehives from Bears
Whether you’re a hobbyist or a professional beekeeper, one thing is certain: bears love honey. They’re also drawn to other food sources like apples and pumpkins, especially during the fall. The right precautions can protect your bees and keep bears at bay. This fact sheet is for beekeepers and shares some important tips to help protect hives from bears.
Residential Gardens and Flooding
Seasonal flooding in Connecticut impacts many, including residential gardeners. Included in this factsheet are answers to some questions specifically pertaining to home gardeners.
PFAS Soil Testing Available for Connecticut Farms
The Connecticut Agricultural Experiment Station (CAES) is now accepting soil samples from Connecticut farms for a new program providing free analysis of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), a class of highly toxic chemicals. PFAS, which have been found on farms and in drinking water across the nation, can cause harmful health effects at extremely low […]
Extreme Weather Preparedness for Livestock Operations
Extreme weather poses a significant risk to animal operations. Keeping livestock and farm families safe requires preparation before an extreme weather event. Work closely with local service providers to develop a comprehensive plan. Stay alert to changes in weather and take action early to prepare for emergencies. Preparing in advance can help to mitigate the negative effects of natural disasters. This factsheet is designed for livestock owners or managers seeking to prepare operations for severe weather events.
Bird Flu Basics: What You Need to Know About Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza
A change in egg prices and availability is a common scenario in grocery stores. These market shifts have primarily occurred because of an outbreak of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI), commonly referred to as bird flu. This factsheet is for anyone interested in learning more about HPAI and how they can keep themselves and their families safe.
Residents: Surrender or Dispose of Unsolicited Packages of Seeds
The Connecticut Agricultural Experiment Station (CAES) and the Connecticut Department of Agriculture (CT DoAg), are urging residents to remain vigilant following reports of unsolicited seed packages arriving by mail. It is important to follow guidance from U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) to report and safely handle these suspicious seed shipments, which may pose environmental and […]
Livestock Summer Field Workshops
It’s that time of year again: Tri-State SARE Summer Field Workshops Join us for one, two, or all three! Wednesday, May 21 – Finicky Farm 9:30-12:30; 664 Millers Falls Rd. Northfield, MA 01360 We invite you to join us in touring this sheep and goat operation. Get a look at the grazing management, stockpiling and […]
Farm Biosecurity Tip: Wildlife
Farm Biosecurity Tip: Limit interactions with wildlife. Wildlife, such as deer, geese, ducks, and rodents, may be reservoirs for infectious diseases that could be detrimental to the health of your operation. Prevent interaction between these species and your stock by using fencing or poultry netting. Walk pastures and pens frequently to confirm that fencing is […]
Pasture: Planning, Seeding, and Sacrifice Areas
It is important to prepare prior to designing a pasture by considering the use of the pasture, land resources available, seeding (including what to seed), design, and location of sacrifice areas. A sacrifice lot will help prevent over-conditioned horses by reducing pasture intake as well as protecting land resources. The expression ‘Failing to prepare, we prepare to fail’ is never more true than when it comes to pasture management.
Farm To Early Childhood Education
Join UConn Extension as they take a look at part of the wonderful work that has gone into getting food from local farms into our Early Childcare centers in Connecticut. We’ll look at the benefits to kids, educators, parents, and farmers, and hear their perspectives on what it’s like interacting with local food in their […]
Conditioning to Prevent Fatigue, Injury and/or Lameness in the Horse
It might be observed at the end of a horse show, event or trail ride. A horse is lathered, huffing and looks exhausted. Is the horse exercise-intolerant? No, most likely it just has not been properly conditioned. Conditioning is defined as getting one’s muscles into better shape through graded exercise. Age, genetics, and nutrition play major roles in conditioning.
The Amazing Power of Microgreens: Easy to Grow and a Superfood
Microgreens are becoming more popular because they are easy to grow, provide flavor to dishes, and are packed with nutrients. Experiment with different types of microgreens to find a flavor that’s appealing. Microgreens are a budget-friendly and fun way to increase vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants to improve health.
Upcoming CLEAR Trainings
Our Center for Land Use Education and Research (CLEAR) has several upcoming trainings: This Saturday, April 26, 2025 9:00 – 12:00 PM Workshop: Basic Training for Land Use Commissioners Presented by: Renata Bertotti, Land Use Educator UConn CLEAR’s Land Use Academy is holding an in-person training for land use commissioners on Saturday, April 26, 2025, at […]
Celebrate Earth Day by Supporting Extension During UConn Gives
Earth Day is a time to reflect, take action, and invest in the health of our planet—and our communities. At UConn Extension, every day is Earth Day as we work side-by-side with Connecticut residents to address the environmental challenges we face and build more resilient, sustainable systems. From teaching youth about pollinators and climate change, […]
Help us Reach All Communities During UConn Gives
Donate today to help ensure UConn Extension can continue to provide trusted knowledge and resources to residents across Connecticut. Through the Reaching All Communities with UConn Extension fund, we ensure that vital programs reach those who need them most. Make a Difference – Donate Today! Impact of your gift One way this fund helps Connecticut families is […]
Spring Livestock Tips
Spring is here! Which means it’s getting warmer outside, there’s more daylight hours, pastures are growing, and you may have a lot to prepare for as a livestock producer. Be sure you are ready to tackle it all this spring! Here’s some helpful resources for you! The Farm Risk Management Online Certificate – (INCLUDES A LIVESTOCK MODULE) This […]
National Gardening Day
Happy National Gardening Day! There’s no better time to dig in and grow something beautiful—or delicious! Whether you’re planting your first seed or have a seasoned green thumb, gardening is a fun and rewarding way to connect with nature, improve your health, and grow your own food. At UConn Extension, we’re here to help every […]
Farm Biosecurity Tip
Farm Biosecurity Tip: Proactively prioritize the health of the herd or flock. Work with your veterinarian to develop a nutrition, reproduction, and health plan for your animals. Manage manure and keep feed and water free from contamination. Consider vaccinating animals against the most common diseases for their species in your area. Learn about farm biosecurity […]
Culturally Responsive Extension Program Evaluation
Evaluating programs that engage stakeholders from distinct cultural backgrounds and realities requires intentional skill development. This factsheet, intended for professionals working in extension or nonformal education, describes practical strategies for enhancing the cultural responsiveness of evaluations in community-based, educational programs.
Support Extension During UConn Gives
UConn Extension is participating in UConn Gives—the University’s 36-hour giving campaign—on April 21–22, 2025. This year, we are raising support for our Reaching All Communities fund. Your gift will help us continue delivering trusted, research-based programming to people across Connecticut. UConn Extension reaches all 169 towns in the state, supporting communities with educational programs in […]
Building Resiliency: Climate Smart Adaptations for Fruit Growers
Extreme weather events can give fruit growers a preview of what producing food in a rapidly changing climate might entail. The general trend of increasing temperatures was solidified and reflected in the recent adjustment to the USDA plant hardiness zones. Coupled with extreme weather events, thoughtful climate adaptation strategies are essential. Included in this factsheet are some climate-smart considerations aimed at increasing the resiliency of a fruit-producing operation.
Unique Fruit Crops for Farm Diversification
As climate-related production challenges continue to become more prominent, the need to develop and maintain whole farm resiliency grows. Highly diversified farms enjoy a great deal of innate resiliency, simply due to their mix of commodities. Diversification can take many forms: utilizing new varieties, expanding into a new commodity group, or employing a new production system. One unique opportunity for diversification is to explore alternative, novel, or niche fruit crops. Below is a deeper look at two of the most appealing contenders for diversification.
Online Gardening Course for Home Gardeners Available
UConn Extension is excited to announce that the Fundamentals of Home Gardening online course, designed to help gardening enthusiasts of all levels cultivate thriving home gardens, is available for home gardeners who want to expand their knowledge and skills. The course is divided into four modules covering essential gardening topics: CORE – Water, Soils, and […]
What do Labels Really Mean? Organic, Natural, Cage-Free, Grass-Fed, Pasture-Raised and Local
Organic, Natural, Cage Free, Grass Fed, Pasture-Raised and Local are terms on food labels and used in the news, but what do they really mean? And how important is it to buy organic and natural foods when it comes to healthy eating? Some terms are helpful, and others are misleading. This fact sheet reviews some of these terms and the meaning behind them.
Blueberry Weed Control and Pre-emergent Herbicides
Thoughtful weed management is essential to maintaining high yields and fruit quality in a blueberry operation. It also serves to reduce other pest issues. Growers continue to face challenges associated with weed management, including the development of herbicide resistance and challenges associated with climate change. In this factsheet is a brief overview of managing weeds in blueberries, with a special emphasis on pre-emergent materials.
Spring Chick Season: Tips for Raising a Healthy Flock
As the weather warms up, many poultry enthusiasts are preparing for chick season. Raising a healthy flock starts with strong management practices, whether you’re a first-time chicken owner or an experienced poultry keeper. UConn Extension has two new fact sheets to guide you through the process: 10 Tips for New Poultry Owners – Covers the […]
10 Tips for New Poultry Owners: Promoting Healthy Flocks and Families
Raising domestic poultry can be a fun and rewarding experience. There are several steps to establishing and maintaining the health of your flock, family, and environment.
Put Local On Your Tray Celebrates Ag Week with School Taste Tests
Put Local On Your Tray, a UConn Extension program, partnered with K-12 schools across the region to celebrate National Ag Week through a series of exciting taste tests and educational events. Students had the opportunity to explore fresh, locally grown foods, connecting them with the farmers who grow them and the benefits of eating seasonal […]
Guardians Farm: A Story of Growth, Community, and Education
David Buck and Tamra French began their farming journey in 2014 with chickens and a vegetable garden at their home in Naugatuck. The following year, they added goats and began making homemade soaps and lotions. “We really started making everything for ourselves, and it snowballed from there,” David shared. In 2020, they moved to their […]
Celebrate National Agriculture Week
Why Agriculture Matters Connecticut’s farms and agricultural businesses are essential to the health, economy, and communities of our state. From fresh produce and dairy products to thriving nurseries and innovative urban farms, our farmers provide the food, fiber, and resources that sustain us. During National Agriculture Week (March 16-22, 2025), we take a moment to […]
Plant Variety Selection for the Home Vegetable Gardener
Plant Variety Selection for the Home Vegetable Gardener By Jacqueline Kowalski As snow and winter lose their charm, one thing that excites gardeners this time of year is the arrival and perusal of seed catalogs. The glossy pages filled with promises and beauty remind gardeners that spring is just around the corner, and soon, hands […]
Crop Talk March 2024
The latest issue of Crop Talk, our newsletter for commercial vegetable and fruit operations, is available. In this issue: The Vegetable IPM Program at UConn Extension Welcomes a new Outreach Assistant Farmer Feature: Paul Bucciaglia of Fort Hill Farm Reports on Soil Steaming for High Tunnels Call for Collaboration: Seeking Vegetable Farmers for Participatory Research […]
Farm Biosecurity Workshop
UConn Extension Hosts Farm Biosecurity Workshop to Help Protect Livestock, Poultry, and Families Biosecurity is the first line of defense in protecting farms, animals, and communities from the spread of disease. With concerns over avian influenza and other livestock health risks on the rise, UConn Extension is hosting a Farm Biosecurity Workshop to provide practical […]
What is One Health?
One Health is a collaborative, integrative approach that recognizes the interconnectedness between humans, animals, plants, and the environment. Living beings are closely connected to their natural surroundings. Recognizing the interconnectedness of human, animal, and environmental systems can help us promote healthier communities and ecosystems, sustainable use of resources, and a more resilient world. Therefore, those who utilize One Health seek to apply a systems perspective to encourage positive change. This fact sheet is for residents, business owners, municipalities, agricultural producers, and other community members interested in learning how the One Health approach can optimize collective health.
Backyard Poultry: A Quick Look at Raising Healthy Birds
Raising backyard poultry is an increasingly popular endeavor, providing fresh eggs, meat, and companionship, while contributing to a sustainable food system. Whether you are a beginner or an experienced poultry owner, it is essential to understand the fundamental aspects of poultry selection, housing, health management, and biosecurity to ensure a healthy, and productive, flock.