The UConn College of Agriculture, Health and Natural Resources has an Agriculture Advocacy Club, and they recently published their first newsletter. You can read the issue at http://bit.ly/AgAdvocateVol1
Agriculture & Farming
Ensuring a vibrant and sustainable agricultural industry and food supply
Happy Holidays from UConn Extension
Happy holidays from all of us at UConn Extension! We are proud to serve all 169 Connecticut towns and cities. We look forward to working together in the new year.
Winter Riding Lessons at UConn Start January 8th
The Department of Animal Science is offering the Winter Riding Program beginning January 8th and registration is now open! This would make a great gift for the equestrian on your list or yourself! Space is limited so reserve your spot today! Please visit https://animalscience.cahnr.uconn.edu/winter-riding/ for more information including registration forms.
Job Opening: Extension Educator, Diversified Livestock
Job Opening: The College of Agriculture, Health and Natural Resources (CAHNR) at the University of Connecticut contributes to a sustainable future through scientific discovery, innovation, and community engagement. CAHNR’s accomplishments result in safe, sustainable and secure plant and animal production systems, healthier individuals and communities, greater protection and conservation of our environment and natural resources, […]
Where can we get healthy food? #AskUConnExtension
Where can we get healthy food? Dr. German Cutz, one of our Extension educators, discusses urban agriculture as one option as we use innovative technology and new methods to grow food for our families and communities. #AskUConnExtension Video: Mike Zaritheny
CT Sea Grant: Re-Thinking Relationships with the Places We Love
The Fall-Winter 2019-20 issue of Wrack Lines, a publication of Connecticut Sea Grant is now posted at: https://seagrant.uconn.edu/?p=5770. In this issue we’re re-thinking relationships with the places we love.
UConn 4-H Military Partnership Hosts Barnyard Boogie
The UConn 4-H Military Partnership Project joined forces with the Subase Exceptional Family Member Program (EFMP), Subase New London School Liaison Officer, University of Rhode Island 4-H, CT and RI National Guard CYP Coordinators, and New London County 4-H clubs for a “Barnyard Boogie” family sensory afternoon. Hosted by Horses Healing Humans, a partnering agency […]
Survey for Poultry Producers
The University of Connecticut is collaborating with 14 multi-state institutions to put together a USDA grant on Agriculture and Food Research Initiatives titled: Systems-based integrated program for enhancing the sustainability of antibiotic-restricted poultry production. Our focus is on sustainable poultry production and we are dedicated to help small, medium and large poultry farmers, processors and industry […]
Environmental Monitoring for Food Safety
Dairy Processors: Are you interested in designing and implementing an environmental monitoring program (EMP) to improve your food safety program? This course may be for you. In this eight-hour online course, you will learn alongside virtual dairy processors and apply concepts in the context of a dairy facility. This online course is available on-demand and […]
CT Farmlink Website Improves Farmland Access for Farmers
Connecticut FarmLink, a clearing house for the transition between generations of landowners with the goal of keeping farmland in production, is pleased to announce the launch of a redesigned website, www.ctfarmlink.org. A partnership between the Connecticut Department of Agriculture and the Connecticut Farmland Trust (CFT) with funding through the Community Investment Act (CIA) is ensuring new […]
Growing Food with the Mashantucket Pequot Tribal Nation
The Mashantucket Pequot Tribal Nation and UConn Extension have been collaborating thanks to a U.S.D.A. Federally Recognized Tribes Extension Program to enhance agricultural production, food security, and health of tribal community members. UConn Extension Growing Food With the Mashantucket Pequot Tribal Nation #AskUConnExtension #UConnImpact
CAHNR Strategic Visioning Process
The UConn College of Agriculture, Health, and Natural Resources is engaged in a strategic visioning process. You also may have received the invitation below from Dean Chaubey. As one who knows about the College, we would love to have your input into the strategic direction the College will take over the next 5-10 years. Listening […]
Job Opening: Extension Educator, Diversified Livestock
The College of Agriculture, Health and Natural Resources (CAHNR) at the University of Connecticut contributes to a sustainable future through scientific discovery, innovation, and community engagement. CAHNR’s accomplishments result in safe, sustainable and secure plant and animal production systems, healthier individuals and communities, greater protection and conservation of our environment and natural resources, balanced growth […]
Attend the CT Ag Wellness Summit
Stress has many causes and is a serious problem for those involved in agriculture. Unfortunately many folks try to deal with this quietly, showing a stiff upper lip, and by themselves – not the healthiest route to take. Join us in learning more about how to identify stressors, understanding ways to help yourself, and equally […]
Cost of Hay in Connecticut
Colder weather is setting in, and that means that livestock owners will be feeding increased amounts of hay. How is the price consumers pay for hay set? The Zwick Center for Food and Resource Policy has a report, the Financial Analysis of Hay Production in Connecticut that is available for review at http://bit.ly/CostOfHay. It explains […]
Ask UConn Extension: Biodegradable Plastic Mulch
Farmers: Are you considering biodegradable plastic mulch (BDM) for your crops? Shuresh Ghimire, UConn Extension educator for vegetable crops, visits Bruce Gresczyk Jr. of Gresczyk Farms in New Hartford, Connecticut to discuss biodegradable plastic mulch (BDM), and the advantages and disadvantages of BDM for vegetable farmers: https://youtu.be/kyvB1QxHAtE #AskUConnExtension
Fall is a Great Time to Plant Trees
Autumn is an ideal time to plant a tree is as the air temperatures have cooled but the soil is still warm. Warm soil temperatures encourage root growth while decreasing light and day length signal the plant to stop producing top growth. Roots will continue to grow until the soil freezes and the tree enters […]
Canine Circovirus in Connecticut, Identified by UConn Researchers
Investigators at the Connecticut Veterinary Medical Diagnostic Laboratory (CVMDL) at UConn recently reported a new canine disease, identified for the first time in New England. This is the same group, same laboratory, that recently reported eastern equine encephalomyelitis in horses and birds and earlier recognized epizootic hemorrhagic disease in deer (September 2017) and West Nile […]
UConn Beef Auction – Nov. 3rd
The UConn Beef Auction will be held this year on Sunday, November 3 at the Cattle Resource Unit (heifer barn) located on Horsebarn Hill Road, Storrs campus. The auction will be held at UConn’s Storrs Campus at the UConn Cattle Resource Unit (Heifer Barn) located on Horsebarn Hill Road. The event is free and open to the general public. Preview of […]
Have your Soil Tested for Macro & Micro Nutrients
Send your soil sample in for testing now. Our standard nutrient analysis includes pH, macro- and micro nutrients, a lead scan and as long as we know what you are growing, the results will contain limestone and fertilizer recommendations. The cost is $12/sample. You are welcome to come to the lab with your ‘one cup […]
Information About EEE from CVMDL at UConn
Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE) is a disease caused by a virus that mosquitos transmit. The name of the disease is misleading in that this virus can infect and cause disease in humans and a wide variety of animal species, including birds as well as horses and other equids. Horses that have not been vaccinated for […]
Fall Updates from UConn Extension
UConn Extension is pleased to share the following updates with you: An update on the strategic planning process for the College of Agriculture, Health and Natural Resources, as well as internal re-organization of Extension program teams. Our UConn CLEAR program worked with the Department of Energy and Environmental Protection on a sea level rise model […]
10 Tips for the October Gardener
Dig and store tender bulbs, corms, rhizomes, and tubers in a cool, dark, place. Remove plant debris from the flowerbeds. Bag any diseased plant parts and put it in the trash or take it to a landfill but do not compost. Take a scenic drive to observe the changing fall foliage. The CT DEEP has […]
Sheep Shearing School
The Connecticut Sheep Breeders Association Inc. in conjunction with the UConn Extension are again offering a one-day shearing school. Saturday, October 26, 2019 UConn Beef Barn (Livestock Unit 1) Horsebarn Hill Road 8am-4:30pm This program is offered for those individuals who have a strong interest in learning how to shear sheep and have […]
Growing Food and Health with the Mashantucket Tribe
“The mission statement of the Mashantucket Pequot Tribal Nation (MPTN) states they will ‘…establish a social, cultural and economic foundation that can never be undermined or destroyed…,’” says Tribal Councilor Daniel Menihan, Jr. MPTN was facing challenges growing their fruits and vegetables at a scale to meet the tribe’s needs on their land in Ledyard, […]
Hannan Holstein Farm is CT Dairy Farm of the Year
We are pleased to announce that Chris and Todd Hannan of Hannan Holsteins Farm are the winners of the Connecticut 2019 Dairy Farm of the Year for our New England Green Pastures Program. The two brothers milk 50 registered Holsteins, half of which are Red and White Holsteins, with a total of 140 head of […]
Educator Spotlight: Indu Upadhyaya
UConn Extension is proud to announce our newest team member, Indu Upadhyaya. Indu accepted the position of Food Safety Extension educator. She is based in our Tolland County Extension Center and started with Extension in June. Indu obtained her bachelor of veterinary science and animal husbandry (equivalent to DVM) and a master’s degree in veterinary […]
UConn Offers Master Composter Program and Worm Day
Enroll Now in the UConn 2019 Master Composter Program Almost 25% of household waste can be recycled through composting. The purpose of the UConn Master Composter program is to educate and train residents about the basics of small-scale composting and in exchange for the training, volunteers will pass on their knowledge to others through outreach activitiessuch […]
Ask UConn Extension
Do you have food, health, or environmental sustainability questions? Ask UConn Extension. We have specialists located throughout the state to answer your questions and connect you with the power of UConn research. Fill out this form with your question: http://bit.ly/AskUConnExtension
UConn Creamery Cheese Wins Awards
For the sixth year in a row, the UConn Animal Science Creamery has taken home awards from the annual American Cheese Society Judging and Competition. Our Chipotle Queso Blanco and our Green Chile Queso Blanco were recognized for excellence amongst 1742 products from over 250 entering companies. The Chipotle and Green Chile cheeses were awarded […]
Equine Owners Should Vaccinate For EEE, Warns CVMDL at UConn
Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE) is a disease caused by a virus that mosquitos transmit. The name of the disease is misleading in that this virus can infect and cause disease in humans and a wide variety of animal species, including birds as well as horses and other equids. Horses that have not been vaccinated for […]
UConn Helps New Farmers ‘Bridge the Gap’
Originally published by UConn Today on July 29, 2019 Cari and Ken Donaldson had always wanted to farm. After finding a property in Willington, they established Ghost Fawn Homestead five years ago. Today, gardens and vegetable beds dot the hillside, while chickens quietly go about their day in the yard. “We are the second owner […]
Christmas in July at CT Greenhouses
It is Christmas in July for the greenhouse producers who grow poinsettias. In order to have plants that are blooming for December sales, greenhouses start the process early. Poinsettias require months in the greenhouse before they are ready to be purchased and taken home. Leanne Pundt, one of our Extension educators was scouting the plants […]
Auerfarm Appoints Erica Fearn as Executive Director
The Auerfarm 4-H Education Center in Bloomfield, Connecticut announces the appointment of Erica Prior Fearn, CAE, as its new Executive Director, beginning July 24. Fearn succeeds Interim Executive Director Barbara G. DeMaio, who held the position since March. “Auerfarm is thrilled to have an executive of Erica’s caliber lead our organization. Her experience at the […]
GMO 2.0 Overview
GMO 2.0 Overview By Quamyia Foye Quamyia Foye is an undergraduate at UConn and attended GMO 2.0: Science, Society and the Future and wrote the following summary of the event, along with her perceptions. Overview of Risks and Benefits of Genetically Engineered Crops Dr. Paul Vincelli, extension professor and provost distinguished service professor from […]
Ewe Nutrition Leads to Lamb Health
Lambing season rolls around every spring, and with it comes night lamb checks, fuzzy little faces bleating for mama, and hopefully, healthy ewes and lambs. But ensuring that those lambs and ewes are healthy at birth starts long before lambing occurs. Our research group focuses on how the ewe’s diet while she is pregnant affects […]
Meet Indu Upadhyaya: Food Safety Specialist
This article was originally published on Naturally.UConn.edu Where did you get your degrees? I received a bachelor of veterinary science and animal husbandry (equivalent to DVM) and a master’s degree in veterinary biochemistry from Rajiv Gandhi Institute of Veterinary Education and Research in Pondicherry. I completed my PhD from UConn in animal science with a focus […]
Conservation Planning
Excess fertilizer use and inefficient nutrient management strategies often are causes of water quality impairment in the United States. When excess nitrogen enters large water bodies it enhances algae growth and when that algae decomposes, hypoxic conditions—often called a “dead zone” occur. Nutrients carried to the Long Island Sound have been linked to the seasonal […]
Say Cheese
Small-scale dairy operations in Connecticut and throughout the country offer cheese, ice cream, and other dairy products direct to consumers and through wholesale distribution. The popularity of local food has increased interest in these operations, and led to a greater need for food safety education and training. Dennis D’Amico is an Assistant Professor in the […]
Red, White & Blueberries
Celebrate our Nation’s Independence with Connecticut Grown Food As you celebrate our nation’s independence this Fourth of July, choose Connecticut Grown foods for your holiday gatherings. “Farmers are the backbone of our nation and we are fortunate to have a diverse array of agriculture in Connecticut,” said Bryan P. Hurlburt, Connecticut Department of Agriculture Commissioner. “Stop […]