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 […]
Author: Syme, Rebecca
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 […]
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 […]
HACCP for Meat and Poultry Processors
HACCP for Meat and Poultry Processors (Course approved by International HACCP Alliance) December 4, 5, & 6, 2024 Middlesex County Extension Center 1066 Saybrook Rd. Haddam, CT 06438 UConn Extension in cooperation with University of Rhode Island Cooperative Extension is pleased to offer a three-day International HACCP Alliance approved Meat and Poultry course. This course […]
2024 Ag Expo
Come to the 2024 Connecticut Agricultural Expo! There will be a farm equipment and implements showcase, crop production supplies and services. This is a great opportunity to get Pesticide CEU credits, network and great food. This event is taking place Wednesday, November 20th from 8:30 AM- 2:00 PM, at the Aquaturf in Southington. For more […]
Did you know how good Squash is for you?
Did you know Squash Is rich in vitamins A and C, potassium, and fiber? As the temperature cools, it is the perfect time to explore the vibrant world of late season squashes. These nutrient packed vegetables offer a multitude of flavors with countless cooking possibilities. Here, we will share some facts, storage tips, delicious recipes […]
Fall Ornamental & Turf Short Course
Registration is now open for the UConn Extension Ornamental & Turf Short Course! This course will run from October 9th – December 18th. An instructor will meet virtually with students weekly on Wednesdays at 5:30-7:30 p.m. to review each module topic and answer questions. Registration Cost: $400.00, which includes the Pesticide Applicator Core Manual, Ornamental & Turf Category Manual, and […]
Sustainable Regenerative Gardening for Everyone
Please join us for a lively conversation about sustainable regenerative gardening practices with five local farmers, who, between them, have many years of vegetable growing experience they are keen to share with you. Come prepared with your questions to this knowledgeable panel of experts. This Advanced Master Gardener Class is on Sunday, November 3rd, 10:00am – 12:00pm at […]
CIPWG 12th Biennial Symposium
Want to learn more about Invasive Plants? Come join the Connecticut Invasive Plant Working Group’s 12th Biennial Symposium! The event will take place on Tuesday, October 29th, 2024, from 9 AM to 4:45 PM, at the UConn Student Union in Storrs Connecticut. You can see where you fit in with this year’s theme: Real Talk: Making […]
2024 Summer Internship in Fruit Production and IPM
2024 Summer Internship in Fruit Production and IPM with Evan Lentz Assistant Extension Educator in Fruit Production and IPM Young 116A Background: I am seeking an individual undergraduate student who will assist with ongoing pest monitoring research efforts around the state. Pest monitoring is one of the essential tools available to farmers and researchers who […]
UConn Spring 2024 Horseback Riding Program
Come ride at UConn, the horseback riding program is open! The practicum is a professional, improvement, non-credit horseback riding lesson program open to everyone. Lessons in dressage, hunt seat, western, polo, and trail are offered at a variety of levels. Going from January 22 to April 26 (13 weeks), at the UConn Storrs Campus! Registration […]
Job Openings in UConn Extension
There are two jobs openings in UConn Extension. Assistant/ Associate Extension Educator for Agriculture Business Management and Assistant/ Associate Extension Educator for Controlled Environment Agriculture. Both closing January 31, 2024. For more information and to apply go to https://publications.extension.uconn.edu/job-openings-with-extension/ Assistant/ Associate Extension Educator for Agriculture Business Management is a full-time, 11-month appointment for a non-tenure-track […]
Spotted Lanternfly Quarantine Connecticut
CAES Announces Renewal of the Spotted Lanternfly Quarantine for Connecticut New Haven, CT – 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, 2024. More information about SLF, the quarantine order and state quarantine requirements can be found at: https://portal.ct.gov/CAES-SLF In 2020 through 2023, multiple adult SLF populations were detected in Fairfield, Hartford, Litchfield, Middlesex, New Haven, and New London Counties. The distribution […]
CAES Bedding Plants Spring 2024 Program
The Connecticut Agricultural Experiment Station in coordination with UConn CAHNR Extension is putting on a bedding plants for Spring of 2024 program. The event takes place January 30, 2024 at the New Haven CAES location, running from 12:30- 3:30! There is an opportunity to get pesticide recertification credits (pending approval). Time Topic Speaker 12:30-1:30 […]
Crop Talk
We are pleased to share the December 2023 edition of Crop Talk! Access it via the following link to view the full publication:https://ipm.cahnr.uconn.edu/wp-content/uploads/sites/3216/2023/12/Crop-Talk-December-2023.pdf
Farm Risk Management Program 2023-2024 FREE Programs
UConn Extension is offering plenty of Farm Risk Management Programs in the upcoming 2024 year, and they are FREE! Options to Mitigate Farm Financial Losses When: Tuesday, January 16, 2024 Where: CLiCK, 41 Club Rd, Windham, CT Time: 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. Crop Insurance Programs When: Tuesday, January 23, 2024 Where: Tolland County […]
Business of Farming Course
UConn Extension’s Solid Ground Program is now accepting applications for our new training “The Business of Farming.” What is it? This course will accommodate 15-18 participants for a 7-week learning opportunity that includes both virtual and in-person meetings (details below). It is designed to develop and strengthen the business and technical skills for beginning farmers with 0 – 3 years of experience. […]
UConn Extension’s Solid Ground Ag-Mechanics part 2
We’ve just about finished up our first round of Ag-Mechanics and we’re getting ready to start round 2! Again, these are small classes, so you’ll want to sign up fast because they fill up fast! The topics happening in the beginning of 2024 are Welding Using Metal Inert Gas Methods, Small Engine Maintenance & Repairs: 2-Stroke AND […]
2024 Produce Safety Rules Training Courses
The 2024 FSMA produce safety rule/ produce safety alliance approved grower training courses are here! Course Summary: The Produce Safety Alliance (PSA) Grower Training Course has been designed to provide a foundation of Good Agricultural Practices knowledge that includes emphasis on co-management of food safety and environmental management goals, while outlining the requirements of the […]
Did You Know: Cleaning New Haven Coastal Area
Summer may be over, but cleaning our coastal areas can be a yearlong project. On August 12 of 2023, volunteers spent two hours collecting over 110 pounds of trash in the Long Wharf Drive and the Long Wharf Nature Preserve in New Haven. the cleanup kicking off the 2023 #DontTrashLISound campaign led by Connecticut Sea […]
Federal funds will enhance aquaculture education, kelp farming
Two federal grants totaling almost $600,000 will help launch two new initiatives considered crucial to the long-term viability of the state’s aquaculture industry. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s Sea Grant program will provide a $398,896 grant to Connecticut Sea Grant for a two-year project to assess workforce development needs. The grant was one of […]
United Way’s Partnership with New London County 4-H
In 2022, United Way of Southeastern Connecticut launched, Your Voice Counts (YVC), to promote trust and civility in our community. The initiative aims to improve communication, critical thinking, and understanding among high school students, to contribute to a more positive community. United Way’s program pairs up community partners and volunteers with the high school students […]
Northeastern US Producer survey on agricultural water and floods
UConn Extension is seeking inputs from farmers on information regarding current irrigation and water testing practices. The survey focuses on agricultural water and flood impact on crop food safety in the Northeastern US. Your participation as a producer in this survey is valuable as it will help UConn Extension better understand the challenges and concerns […]
Wrack Lines explores the many facets of marine education
The new issue of Wrack Lines is now posted on the sea grant website! Learn about the inspiring journey of a mini sailboat, lessons from beaches and school aquariums and the unique geology of the Connecticut shoreline in their newest issue. More good reading can be found in articles about how the ocean literacy campaign and ocean […]
Registration now open for winter UConn Ornamental and Turf Course
Registration now open! Winter 2024 Ornamental and Turf Short Course Wednesdays 5:30-7 pm, from January 10 – March 13, 2024 Register Here More information at s.uconn.edu/ornamental-turf. Ornamental and Turf Online Short Course Description UConn Extension offers an online Ornamental & Turf Short Course in the fall and winter, which helps students prepare for the pesticide applicator supervisory […]
‘Seaweed Food Safety’ report examines federal, state regulations
The National Sea Grant Law Center has announced the release of a new seaweed food safety publication produced in partnership with New York Sea Grant and Connecticut Sea Grant as part of the National Seaweed Hub. “Seaweed Food Safety: Comparing Compliance with Preventive Controls for Human Food with Seafood HACCP” was developed to help the emerging […]
Farmer 2 Farmer Conference
We’re so excited because we are partnering up with New CT Farmers Alliance to put on a conference that is FOR farmers and BY farmers, January 27! It’s the Farmer 2 Farmer Conference! ~Register here~ Farming is a profession full of trial and error. Every year, we take stock of what worked and what didn’t, assess our […]
Annual Vegetable and Small Fruit Growers Conference
We are pleased to announce that our annual Vegetable & Small Fruit Growers’ Conference will be held at the UConn Storrs Campus on January 9, 2024. For details, please see the registration information and agenda below. Register online at: s.uconn.edu/ctvfcregistration To pay by check visit: s.uconn.edu/ctvfconference or email tolland@uconn.edu Trade Show Exhibitor Registration: s.uconn.edu/ctvfctradeshow For any further questions email tolland@uconn.edu or […]
2024 CNLA Winter Symposium
UConn Extension is looking forward to seeing everyone at the Connecticut Nursery and Landscape Association winter Symposium. This event is full of learning, and takes place on January 24th and 25th at the Aqua Turf Club in Plantsville, CT. This is a great opportunity for networking, meeting exhibitors, attending educational programs, and seeing new products! […]
Master Gardner 2024 Calendar Sale
The UConn Master Gardeners have assembled a calendar for Connecticut gardeners! There are tips through every month on how to plan and maintain your garden for fresh blooms and abundant vegetables. This year there is additional information on supporting beneficial insects in the landscape, with tips on using integrated pest management, creating habitat for beneficials, […]
Trail Finder Website: More Trails, New Features
The Trail Finder website is the go-to website for finding trails across the state. Use the search options to find trails by location, activity (hike, bike, horse, etc.), distance and difficulty, accessibility, and features like waterfalls and nature trails. Trail Finder posts (both the information and map) are ALL approved by trail managers. Recently, the […]
Guide showcases geology, ecology, wildlife of CT shoreline
Connecticut Sea Grant and the Connecticut College Arboretum are pleased to announce the publication of Connecticut’s Sandy Shores: An Introduction to the Geology, Plants and Animals, a 130-page guidebook with dozens of color photos and illustrations along with explanatory text about the ecology, geology, common species and why Connecticut’s sandy beaches differ from many others along the […]
Ag Mechanic Classes 2023
It’s that time of year again where our Solid Ground Trainings are starting to get their gears rolling! Kicking it off this season, we’re bringing back the ever popular Chainsaw Skills and Safety program directed toward women, our Beginning Welders Workshops, and an Intro to Carpentry! Each workshop cost $25 and includes lunch. See more info below! Note: These […]
New Trail Census Data Portal
The CT Trails Program is excited to announce the launch of the new CT Trail Census Dashboard which includes yearly dashboards since 2017 and a new yearly comparison dashboard. Use the information to support trail reports, projects, fundraising, and more! The portal offers a map, list, and short description for all CT Trail Census infrared counters statewide selection tools to […]
Book Launch with Juliana Barrett and Ralph Lewis
Come and see Juliana Barrett and Ralph Lewis, the authors of Connecticut’s Sandy Shores: An Introduction to the Geology, Ecology, Plants and Animals, this Wednesday November 29th. The even starts at 4:00PM at the Lowell P. Weicker Jr. Building, room 103 at the UConn Avery Point Campus.
Interview with Anoushka Concepcion: Barriers to Seaweed Expansion
Anoushka Concepcion was interviewed by Chaya Gaberria on April 26, 2023. Interview edited by Carla Schubiger. “I would encourage everyone, specifically women and POC, to establish support systems early in their careers.” – Anoushka Please introduce yourself (briefly; name, position, what are you working on)? My name is Anoushka Concepcion, and I am an […]
Solid Ground DIY series- Farming in Small Spaces
Hey Farmers! If you’re thinking about growing in a small footprint, or want to look at different ways folks are growing in their small space in CT, this is the video series for you! We visited with farmers throughout the state that were growing on a quarter acre or less and took a look at […]
Join Our Team! – Solid Ground is seeking new project coordinator
UConn Extension’s Solid Ground Program team is looking for a new project coordinator this winter to help lead training programs for new and beginning farmers. Responsibilities: As a team project, the right candidate will be able to support existing staff in implementing an aggressive schedule of events. After shadowing our existing staff, the Coordinator will […]
UConn Winter Horseback Riding Lessons are Here!
UConn’s Department of Animal Science is offering a winter horseback riding program to the public with something for everyone! Dressage, Hunt Seat, Polo and Western lessons are open to adults and children who meet the minimum age and skill level requirements. Interested riders visit https://s.uconn.edu/winter-riding for more information about the program and how to register.
Registration open for 2024 shellfish farming course
The 2024 “Foundations of Shellfish Farming” course will be offered at the UConn Avery Point campus over 12 weeks starting Jan. 16. The classes will meet on Tuesdays from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. through April 2 in Room 312 of the Lowell P. Weicker Jr. Building. Registration is now open and financial aid is available. […]