Dig Deeper Into Your Garden! Learn the fundamental concepts of horticulture, as taught by UConn Extension educators and specialists. Based on UConn Extension Master Gardener Program curriculum, this four-part, online series can be taken at your own pace, at times that work for you. Choose just the modules you’re interested in or complete all four […]
Agriculture & Farming
Ensuring a vibrant and sustainable agricultural industry and food supply
Joro Spider Information
You asked, we answered. We’ve been getting questions about Joro spiders. Gail Reynolds from our UConn Extension Master Gardener program answered: Joro spiders, Trichonephila clavata, have been sensationalized in recent news stories. The actual appearance of these spiders in Connecticut has not been documented. According to various reports, this spider was first noted in Georgia in […]
Part-Time Positions on Biotechnology Grant Project
UConn Extension has two part-time positions open on a biotechnology grant project. These positions are both four-year appointments through the grant period. Program Assistant (15 hours per week) Program Coordinator (15 hours per week) The grant will create 4-H clubs focused on teaching teen members about biotechnology and encouraging them to pursue it as a […]
Ana Legrand: Educator Spotlight
Creating Sustainable Landscapes Through the Interactions of Plants and Insects Educator Spotlight: Ana Legrand Ana Legrand built her career around helping people understand the benefits that insects provide. Legrand is an entomologist and UConn Extension educator in the Department of Plant Science and Landscape Architecture. Entomology is the study of insects, and it plays a […]
Avian Influenza in Connecticut
Poultry and Avian Enthusiasts: Connecticut has confirmed cases of Avian Influenza. Please take proper precautions to protect your birds and minimize disease spread: https://cvmdl.uconn.edu/ai/. The Connecticut Veterinary Medical Diagnostic Laboratory (CVMDL) at UConn CAHNR is working with the Connecticut Department of Agriculture and Usda Aphis on diagnosis and surveillance. TODAY (MARCH 3rd) —FREE WEBINAR: “Healthy […]
New England Dairy Nutrition Conference
The New England Dairy Nutrition Conference will be held virtually on Monday, March 7th from 10am till 3pm. There is a $10 registration fee that includes access to all the speaker slides after the meeting. There is a great lineup of guest speakers! Register online at https://mp.gg/c1cuq
Avian Influenza Frequently Asked Questions
This information is courtesy of the Connecticut Department of Agriculture. What Is Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI)? Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) is an extremely infectious viral disease that occurs naturally in wild birds and can spread to domestic birds. The virus has led to the disposal of about 48 million poultry in 21 Western […]
Soul Food Meal (y en Espanol)
Soul Food Meal: Chicken Creole, New Orleans Red Beans and Simmered Mixed Greens Download the recipe on our Expanded Food and Nutrition Education Program website. Feb/2022 Written by and 📷Photo Credit by: U. R. Taylor, MS, RDN, CDN
Black History Month 2022 – Health and Wellness
Have your ever wondered about the history of Black History Month? Dr. Carter G. Woodson is credited with bringing to the forefront the importance of teaching about Black History, Culture and Life. Carter G. Woodson, was the son of former slaves, and as a child, worked as a sharecropper, a miner and other odd jobs […]
2021 Highlights of Extension Report
The past two years have challenged us more than anyone could have predicted. Extension adapted our services and programs to continue serving our audiences. We are addressing critical issues related to agriculture and food, climate adaptation, enhancing health and well-being, social justice, and sustainable landscapes. Extension is unique because the services we provide are […]
High Pathogenic Avian Influenza in the U.S.
The United States Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) has confirmed the presence of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) in a commercial turkey flock in Dubois County, Indiana. This is the first confirmed case of HPAI in commercial poultry in the United States since 2020. Avian influenza does not present […]
Brown Marmorated Stink Bug in Tree Fruit
Evan Lentz of the Department of Plant Science and Landscape Architecture discusses the Brown Marmorated Stink Bug in tree fruit as part of our Fruit Crops Integrated Pest Management (IPM) program. This video was made possible through the USDA NIFA CPPM Grant.
USDA Announces $1 Billion Investment in Partnerships for Climate-Smart Commodities
Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack announced today at Lincoln University that the U.S. Department of Agriculture is delivering on its promise to expand markets by investing $1 billion in partnerships to support America’s climate-smart farmers, ranchers and forest landowners. The new Partnerships for Climate-Smart Commodities opportunity will finance pilot projects that create market opportunities for U.S. […]
Food Safety and Refrigeration
By Diane Wright Hirsch, MPH, RD UConn Extension Educator – Food Safety As I am writing this, it is snowing lightly outside my office window. I am thinking about the potential weather fluctuations. Lots of folks have filled their freezers and refrigerators in preparation for the storm. But what happens when the power goes out? […]
2022 FSMA Produce Safety Alliance Remote Grower Training Course
The registration date is quickly approaching for the 2022 FSMA Produce Safety Alliance Remote Grower Training Course! Register at s.uconn.edu/fsmaremotegrower This course is 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 Food Safety Modernization Act […]
Umekia “Mickey” Taylor: Educator Spotlight
Merging Fitness and Nutrition to Create Healthy Lifestyles Umekia “Mickey” Taylor ’83 (CAHNR) merges fitness and nutrition to help people create healthy lifestyles. She is a community nutrition extension educator and the supervisor for Extension’s Expanded Food and Nutrition Education Program (EFNEP) in New Haven County. “UConn Extension’s nutrition outreach education is valuable because we […]
Celebrating Black History Month, The Paradigm Shift
Have your ever wondered about the history of Black History Month? Dr. Carter G. Woodson is credited with bringing to the forefront the importance of teaching about Black History, Culture and Life. Carter G. Woodson, was the son of former slaves, and as a child, worked as a sharecropper, a miner and other odd jobs […]
Spotted Wing Drosophila in Berry Crops
Evan Lentz of the Department of Plant Science and Landscape Architecture discusses monitoring and trapping for Spotted Wing Drosophila (SWD) in berry crops. This video was made possible through the USDA NIFA CPPM Grant, Award Number 2017-7006-27201.
2022 CT Horse Symposium
The 2022 CT Horse Symposium will be happening on Saturday, March 26th, 9 am to 3 pm at Horsebarn Hill Arena. This event is sponsored UConn Department of Animal Science! For more information and to register visit: animalscience.cahnr.uconn.edu/horsesymposium
Solid Ground Agro-Ecology series
The Solid Ground Agro-Ecology series is right around the bend! We’d love for you to join us as we explore On-Farming Composting, No-Till Farming, and Ecological Growing with expert farmers in our state. The first workshop, On-Farm Composting kicks off Tuesday, January 25th from 6:30-8PM over Zoom with Yoko and Alex of Assawaga Farm in […]
Dr. Jeantyl Norze Joins Extension as Evaluation Specialist
Dr. Jeantyl Norze joined Extension as our Evaluation Specialist in January of 2022. “I am very excited to join the UConn CAHNR Extension and hopeful about my contributions to help advance the land grant mission of the university. CAHNR Extension has an amazing dynamic team who is knowledgeable and open to new ideas that help […]
Urban Agriculture Webinar – January 19th
Join us on January 19th at 7 PM for a webinar on Urban Agriculture Opportunities in Connecticut. Dean Indrajeet Chaubey from the UConn College of Agriculture, Health and Natural Resources, and Extension educators Jacqueline Kowalski and Jiff Martin are presenting along with the Connecticut Department of Agriculture, USDA, and the Connecticut Agricultural Experiment Station. Full details and […]
USDA Crop Insurance Webinar Series
This winter sign up for a webinar series about USDA RMA and USDA FSA crop insurance programs. Livestock and Dairy Insurance Programs webinar – 1/26/22 10-11am FSA NAP Program Update webinar – 1/27/22 11-12pm Multi-Peril Crop Insurance & the NEW Direct Market Tomato Insurance Program webinar – 2/1/22 12-1pm New WFRP Micro Provisions Crop Insurance […]
Job Openings with Extension and CAHNR
We are hiring! Extension and the College of Agriculture, Health and Natural Resources currently have several open positions. The list of positions is below, as well as the link to the job description and details on how to apply. Associate Dean for Extension and Diversity 4-H Youth Development Food and Agricultural Literacy- Assistant/Associate Cooperative Extension […]
Converting Horse Manure into Heat
Looking for a unique and sustainable way to get rid of animal waste? UConn student Alexis Brown has found a cool way to turn horse manure into bricks that can be burned to produce heat. Check out this infographic for more information!
Job Opening: 4-H Educator – Food and Agricultural Literacy
Extension is seeking applicants for a full-time (11-month), non-tenure track Assistant/Associate Extension Educator, primarily based at the Fairfield County Extension Office in Bethel, CT. Extension Educators are community-based faculty who make a difference in communities by connecting community needs with university resources. Position level/rank will be commensurate with experience working with Extension. The anticipated start […]
Funding Available for Connecticut Farmers
Farmers: If you are looking for a little help to get access to capital for your farm/market garden, or want some funds to contribute to conservation of natural resources, climate resilience, climate adaptation, or climate mitigation strategies OR help in increasing production and availability of CT Grown products UConn Extension’s Solid Ground program is making […]
Cooking with Marissa Cardona and Umekia Taylor
This is the time of year when we celebrate traditions with family and friends, and create new traditions. Marissa Perez Cardona and Umekia Taylor from our UConn Extension Expanded Food and Nutrition Education Program- EFNEP celebrated Hispanic Heritage and discussed Latin culinary traditions and how we can incorporate these vibrant flavors into our meals throughout […]
Job Opening: Temporary University Specialist – Poultry Extension
Temporary University SpecialistDepartment of ExtensionTolland County Office UConn Extension at the College of Agriculture, Health and Natural Resources is looking to hire a Temporary University Specialist. The position would report to Dr. Indu Upadhyaya whom manages the coordination of a USDA-SAS grant. The candidate will assist with carrying out Poultry Extension Programs with respect to […]
Job Opening: Educational Program Assistant in Brooklyn
Educational Program Assistant 1, Windham County Extension APPLY NOW – Search #: 495903 Apply here: https://jobs.hr.uconn.edu/cw/en-us/job/495903/educational-program-assistant-1-windham-county-extension Work type: Part-timeLocation: Windham County Extension CenterCategories: Academic Programs and Services JOB SUMMARY The UConn Extension Center located in Brooklyn CT is seeking applications for one Educational Program Assistant 1, part-time position (50%). The position is responsible for supporting and helping implement high-quality, comprehensive, […]
Welding Class offered by SOLID GROUND
Hey farmers- You heard right. The time is coming for our ever popular welding class. Sign up to join us as we go through the ins and outs of using Metal Inert Gas Welding techniques and get ready to suit up and put that welding torch to use- in the class, and eventually on your farm! […]
Take survey on Contaminants of Emerging Concern
A partnership of the Connecticut, New Hampshire and North Carolina Sea Grant programs is conducting a survey as part of a federally funded project announced in September 2021. Survey responses, which will be kept confidential, are due by Dec. 31. Contaminants of Emerging Concern are not well regulated and their impacts on human health and ecosystems […]
2022 Vegetable Production Certificate Course
We’re offering a Vegetable Production Certificate Course, beginning on January 20, 2022. It is a fully online course for new and beginning farmers who have 0-3 years of vegetable growing experience or no formal training in agriculture. The participants will learn answers to the basic questions about farm business planning, planning and preparing for vegetable […]
Support for Extension
Thank you! Your support helped us co-create solutions to the critical issues facing Connecticut in 2021. We are committed to providing transformational learning experiences to all our audiences. Extension continues to adapt and collaborate to find solutions for the human, environmental, and agricultural issues that our state faces. You can support Extension at: s.uconn.edu/givetoextension
CT Sea Grant Fall-Winter Magazine
Connecticut Sea Grant has published their Fall-Winter 2021-2022 issue of Wrack Lines magazine. The theme is “Discovery, Rediscovery and Rebirth”. It can be found in print and online here. The lead article package describes the Connecticut Estuarine Research Reserve (CT NERR), a collection of the waters and lands at the lower Connecticut River and the […]
Farm Business Planning Webniar
Join us for a Farm Business Planning Webinar on November 29th at 12 PM. We’ll cover the components of a business plan and an online tool you can use. Register at https://s.uconn.edu/farmbusinessplanning
Celebrate Native American History with Recipes
November is Native American History month and our UConn Extension Expanded Food and Nutrition Education Program (EFNEP) recommends adding some Native American recipes to your menu. We have the Blueberry Slump and Three Sisters recipes in English and Spanish. In Native American folklore, blueberries are called “star berries’ because the blossom at the end of […]
USDA Ready to Help Connecticut Farmers and Ranchers Recover from Extreme Weather
USDA Ready to Help Connecticut Farmers and Ranchers Recover from Extreme Weather TOLLAND, Connecticut, November 15, 2021 — Recent extreme weather conditions have impacted farmers in Connecticut. The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), through the Farm Service Agency (FSA), has disaster assistance programs available to help agricultural producers recover after natural disasters, including flooding and wind events. […]
CT Sea Grant Research Projects
Connecticut Sea Grant has selected six research projects for the 2022-2024 funding cycle. Focuses of these grants include gaining an understanding of marine life amid changing environmental conditions, community’s perception and behaviors in response to flood risks, and human relationships with the marine environment and individuals’ “ocean identity”. The projects are slated to receive a […]
Faces of Extension: Dr. Joe Emenheiser
Meet Dr. Joe Emenheiser, our diversified livestock Extension educator (with a joint appointment in the Department of Animal Science). His Extension duties focus on livestock industry development and meat quality improvement.