How can UConn Extension help you? Evan Lentz, the new assistant Extension educator of fruit production and IPM at UConn’s Department of Plant Science and Landscape Architecture wants to know. Lentz, a recent graduate of UConn’s College of Agriculture, Health and Natural Resources, has expertise in commercial fruit production with an emphasis on small and some niche […]
Problem Solvers in the Aquaculture Industry
In attempt to meet the increased demand for seaweed, aquaculture producers are working to expand the North American seaweed farming industry. However, efforts to strengthen the industry have highlighted the need to address emerging challenges. “Processing capabilities, long term nursery production, and competition with imports” are among the most prevalent concerns says Anoushka Concepcion, an […]
BIPOC Farm Mentorship Program Application
The Connecticut Department of Agriculture is soliciting applications from individual farms and/or non-profits to identify, host and mentor a BIPOC apprentice(s) for the 2023 season. The focus of the apprenticeship must be on specialty crops. Specialty crops are defined as “fruits and vegetables, tree nuts, dried fruits and horticulture and nursery crops, including floriculture.” The […]
Free One-on-One Consultations for CT Farmers
Hey Farmers! For those of you that are growing commercially, aka are a farm businesses, it’s time for you to sign up for a FREE consultations with some of the experts in the state surrounding a wide variety of topics! Check it out here: https://newfarms.uconn.edu/consultations/ These are free one on one consultations for Connecticut Farmers, with specialists in certain fields of […]
Meat Science Program Merges Local Roots with Global Perspective
Connecticut may be best known as leaders in manufacturing and insurance, but one longstanding UConn program aims to help beef up the state’s meat industry. The meat science program in UConn’s College of Agriculture, Health and Natural Resources teaches students about Connecticut’s unique industry profile while providing them with the skills to work anywhere. Established in the […]
Virtual Farmer Listening Sessions
UConn’s College of Agricultural, Health and Natural Resources is hosting farmer listening sessions! We would like to hear from you on the challenges you face, and the support you would like to see UConn provide. We will be presenting initial results from our producer survey and then open the floor up to all of you. […]
Sesame in the News
Article by Sharon Gray MPH, RD As of January 1, 2023, Sesame is now required to be labeled as an allergen on packaged foods, including dietary supplements. This has been the culmination of efforts for years among food allergy advocates. Sesame is now the country’s ninth major allergen, affecting approximately 1.6 million people (about the population […]
New England Kelp Harvest Week
Join us for the New England Kelp Harvest Week celebration April 20th through April 30th! Connecticut Sea Grant has been collaborating with the state’s aquaculture industry to develop sugar kelp farming and a market for the product. This week kelp famers are partnering with restaurants across Connecticut to provide tasty dishes with locally grown kelp. […]
Job Opening: Assistant/Associate Extension Educator In Soil Health
Search #: 496069 Work type: Full-time Location: Hartford County Extension Ctr Categories: Faculty Extension Educator The Department of Extension is seeking applicants for a full-time (11 month) non-tenure track Assistant/Associate Extension Educator in Soil Health. The successful applicant will assess, develop and deliver impactful extension programs on soil health, regenerative agriculture, and conservation practices. These programs will build an […]
Urban Farmer Training Course
UConn Extension, in partnership with CPEN, the Community Placemaking Engagement Network, is offering an urban farmer training course in New Haven scheduled to run from April to October. The course, taught by Jacqueline Kowalski, a UConn urban agriculture educator, will train locals to produce fresh food, manage a marketplace and develop as agricultural entrepreneurs and vendors. […]
Connecticut Sea Grant’s 2022 Annual Report Now Available
Post by Connecticut Sea Grant Connecticut Sea Grant’s 2022 Annual Report is now available as a downloadable pdf. It offers highlights of CTSG’s accomplishments for the 2021-22 Sea Grant fiscal year, which runs from February 2021 through January 2022. The annual report features information about CTSG’s budget and summaries of projects and programs in: fisheries […]
Riding Camp Instructor’s Horsemanship Safety Clinic
The Riding Camp Instructor’s Horsemanship Safety Clinic online course is now open! Register at s.uconn.edu/riding
Join Us in Celebrating the Month of the Military Child
April is designated as the Month of the Military Child, a time to honor the strength and the sacrifices of our military children. UConn 4-H recognizes the importance of providing a supportive environment for military-connected children and youth to excel. We are proud to serve military families with our predictable military youth clubs on installations […]
Shell recycling initiative being introduced in Connecticut
Article by Connecticut Sea Grant Empty oyster and clam shells from Long Island Sound shouldn’t be treated like trash. They are vital components of healthy habitat for shellfish and other marine life, and need to be returned to their watery home instead of being hauled away with other garbage. That’s the message shell recycling advocates […]
Free Poultry Seminar with UConn Extension
Improving Poultry Production Using Natural Interventions Wednesday, April 26, 2023 10:00-2:00 Tolland County Extension Center 24 Hyde Avenue, Vernon, CT 06066 Join UConn Extension and a team of experts for an informative presentation and discussion on poultry health and disease, the use of various additives in poultry production, and related topics. Click here to register! […]
AED & CPR Training for UConn Extension Volunteers in New London County
Recognizing the need to improve emergency preparedness among UConn Extension volunteers, the New London County Agricultural Extension Council, Inc. sponsored an AED & CPR training for 15 participants on March 22, 2023. This training was open to UConn Extension Master Gardeners and Composters, 4-H volunteers, and Extension Council members in New London County. Instructors from […]
National 4-H Annual Index Survey
National 4-H Annual Index Survey (Teen Responses Needed) We are conducting a survey of youth 13-18 who were enrolled in UConn 4-H in 2021, to measure the impact of UConn 4-H on youth and we invite your 4-H’er to respond. This survey is also being replicated nationwide by 4-H programs in other states and is described in […]
SAFER CEA Conference April 13th and 14th
Registration is open! Join us on April 13th and 14th, 2023 for the SAFER Controlled Environment Agriculture conference! The Strategizing to Advance Future Extension and Research (SAFER) CEA conference aims to advance the science, knowledge and practice of food safety in the CEA produce industry. CEA industry stakeholders, regulatory partners and food safety research and […]
Let’s Talk GMOs Online Course
UConn’s College of Agriculture, Health and Natural Resources is offering an online course, Let’s Talk GMOs: Creating Consistent Communication Messages. Participants are introduced to the basics of genetically modified organisms (GMOs). They will learn how to create consistent communication messages and manage dialogue processes about GMOs with various audiences. Most people have an emotional reaction to […]
Where Can I Purchase Sugar Kelp?
Sugar kelp is an excellent dietary source of fiber, vitamin C, vitamin K, iron, calcium, and more. With the start of the harvesting season, there will be an abundant supply of kelp ready for purchase. Where can you purchase locally grown sugar kelp? See below! Learn more: Seaweed is on the Menu with Connecticut’s Sugar […]
Conserving Water by Eliminating Outdoor Irrigation
By Dr. Mike Dietz The one thing that people don’t want to hear is outdoor irrigation for watering lawns, and that is a waste, in my opinion. If you’re an agricultural producer or are growing a garden, that’s one thing, we need food, but if you are throwing that water on a green lawn, it’s just an absolute waste. That’s an area where we can make a […]
Applications for the CEE-Change Fellowship Are Now Open
ee360+ and Cedar Tree Foundation are excited to launch the 2023 CEE-Change Fellowship to scale up their impact as they work to create a more equitable and sustainable future. Become a Civics and Environmental Education (CEE)-Change Fellow to strengthen your community through a community-based environmental education action project. Gain access to opportunities for leadership training, […]
Water Webinar March 30, 2023
Are you drowning with questions about agricultural water? Join us for our water webinar on March 30! Topics include compliance dates, new assessment tools, and harvest/post-harvest water. Speakers: Indu Upadhyaya, Food Safety Extension Specialist Diane Wright Hirsch, Emeritus Faculty Food Safety Click/tap here or on the flyer above to register!
UConn 4-H is hiring Associate Extension Educators!
The Department of Extension is seeking applicants for three full-time (11-month), non-tenure track Assistant/Associate Extension Educators. One position will target Food and Agricultural Literacy, one on Environmental Literacy, and the other will focus on Healthy Lifestyles Literacy. These three vacant positions are not specifically designated to an assigned location. Final placement will be negotiable, with […]
UConn Extension Internship Application Deadline Extended
The application deadline for our summer internships has been extended to March 26th. Get paid while learning and working in a career-oriented role. We offer internships in the following disciplines: Food Health Nutrition Sustainability Research Agribusiness Youth Education Community Development Marketing Click here to view internship descriptions. Most of these roles are for an average […]
From This Land: Honoring Native Foods of Winter
Along with Narragansett artist, farmer and educator, Dawn M. Spears, Put Local On Your Tray is pleased to announce a new campaign series called, “From This Land: Honoring Native Foods“. The first installment of the series looks at native foods of winter, including maple syrup! You can find more information about artist Dawn M. Spears, […]
Highlights of Extension
Our 2022 Highlights of Extension report shows how UConn Extension continues innovating to meet audiences and partners around the issues identified in the strategic initiatives set forth by the UConn College of Agriculture, Health and Natural Resources. Youth programs, water quality, and geospatial education are all part of the sustainable landscapes and climate portfolios and […]
Hungry or Full?
Waiting too long to eat between meals or overeating at meals can make you question whether or not you are hungry or full. Not drinking enough water throughout the day can also contribute to feeling hungry. We’ve put together 5 tips to help you recognize whether your body is telling you that it needs […]
GMO Training for Science/Agriscience Educators
Agriscience and Secondary Science educators: Apply now for a research study providing 30-hours of professional development training at the UConn Storrs campus about genetically modified organisms (GMOs), receive training in a new curriculum and increase your laboratory skills to expand student understanding. Compensation of $600 will be provided to participants. Visit s.uconn.edu/applygmo to learn more!
UConn Cannabis Symposium March 16-17, 2023
UConn Cannabis Symposium March 16–17, 2023UConn Student Union The University of Connecticut has been a leader nationally in developing the first series of courses offered at a U.S. academic institution on cannabis production. Join us on March 16-17 as expert speakers cover topics related to cannabis such as: plant production, biochemistry and genetics, clinical impacts, […]
Today: Matching Gifts for our Master Gardeners
It’s the final day of UConn Gives! Yesterday was a great day as we reached the halfway mark towards our $20,000 goal. So many of you stepped up and donated to the Master Gardener program – Thank you to all who have donated thus far! But now it’s the home stretch and we’re hoping to […]
9 Projects Focus on LIS Marshes, Water Quality, Public Beaches
Long Island Sound water quality, salt marsh and public beach characteristics will be examined by marine and social scientists in nine research projects awarded funding by the Connecticut and New York Sea Grant programs (CTSG and NYSG respectively) and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s Long Island Sound Study (LISS) Research Grant Program. These new projects, […]
Why Support Extension During UConn Gives
It’s UConn Gives, a 36-hour giving initiative that brings UConn Nation together to support and celebrate what they care about at UConn. We are asking you to support our Extension programs during this event. Matt Syrotiak and Stacey Stearns share information about the 4-H and Master Gardener programs, and why your support of $5 can […]
Support Extension During UConn Gives
Extension program participants everywhere know that we are committed to providing an exceptional experience. During UConn Gives, a 36-hour giving initiative on March 8-9, program participants, faculty, staff, and friends worldwide come together to give back and celebrate what they care about at UConn Extension. Please join us in supporting our Extension programs – $5 […]
Apply to Become a Summer Intern with Extension
UConn Undergraduate Students: Apply for one of our summer internships. We have 18 opportunities available throughout the state. Learn more and apply at https://s.uconn.edu/interns Get paid and gain valuable in-the-field experience in your chosen discipline at an in-state Extension office location. Food Health Nutrition Sustainability Research Agribusiness Youth Education Community Development Marketing Learn where Extension […]
Jardin Para Principiantes
¿Quieres hacer un jardin pero no sabes cómo empezar? ¡UCONN Master Gardeners pueden ayudarte! Ofrecemos un taller “Jardin para Principiantes” el 14 de marzo del 2023. La presentación incluye como planificar tu jardin, la siembra, el mantenimiento, y la cosecha de sus vegetales, frutas o flores favoritos. También hablaremos de cómo hacer un jardin en […]
Getting to the Root Videos & Farmer Panels
From UConn Solid Ground: In 2022 we kicked off a new video series with the goal of raising the visibility of some of the many entrepreneurs among the new farmer community. Last year we learned about Cut Flower Farming at Eddy Farm and Niche Livestock Farming at BOTL farm. These videos as well as the […]
Job Openings at UConn Extension
Remember to check our jobs page with UConn Extension and consider the opportunity to join our team! There are several new faculty and staff openings encompassing varying backgrounds and specialties. The current open positions are below. Visiting Assistant Extension Educator – Long Island Sound Study (LISS) Outreach Coordinator Visiting Assistant Extension Educator – Nature-Based Approaches […]
Connecticut Saves Week
Connecticut Saves Week is February 27th through March 3rd, 2023! Each day includes a financial theme that Connecticut Saves will be promoting alongside America Saves. Monday, February 27: Saving Automatically, Tuesday, February 28: Saving for the Unexpected, Wednesday, March 1: Saving for Major Milestones, Thursday, March 2: Paying Down Debt is Saving Friday, March 3: […]
DIY Video Series
We’ve been working away in the background at getting some great videos pulled together for you. In our DIY Video Series, we visit farms all over the state and look at different projects they have tackled to make some of the costs a little easier on their wallets and more sustainable for their farms. Each […]