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.
Agriculture & Food
Ensuring a vibrant and sustainable agricultural industry and food supply
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 […]
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.
HPAI Update for Connecticut Livestock and Poultry Farmers
UConn Extension is hosting a HPAI update for Connecticut livestock and poultry farmers. This free webinar is being held on Thursday, March 6th from 12:30-1:30 PM and will include pertinent updates and information for your farm. Topics include: HPAI Update from the Connecticut State Veterinarian HPAI Trends and Testing from the Connecticut Veterinary Medical Diagnostic […]
Developing a Biosecurity Plan for Your Livestock or Poultry Operation
A biosecurity plan is a proactive protocol for maintaining the health of animals and people that interact with production or hobby enterprises. The goal of biosecurity is to prevent the introduction and spread of disease-causing pathogens within and between groups of animals and humans. The factsheet integrates a ‘One Health’ approach and is intended for use by livestock operation managers, hobbyists, and others that work closely with poultry and livestock species. The best practices included in this resource may apply to any of the following: chickens, ducks, cattle, goats, sheep, pigs, and other domestic livestock.
Crisis Communications Planning for Agritourism Operations
Agritourism is a viable option for farms looking to diversify their revenue streams, educate their neighbors and customers about agriculture, and share the joy that their farm offers. While optimism is preferred, preparing a crisis communications plan before it’s needed can aid in the farm’s resilience. Ideally, it becomes a practice that helps the agritourism operation prevent and mitigate threats. Good communication practices are part of any successful business, including communicating during a crisis.
Urban Farming Training Program Starting in March
The Urban Farmer Training Program is designed to provide training to those who want to farm in the city. In 2025 it will be held online, Wednesday evenings from March 12-May 7, 2025 (6:30-8:30 pm). For more information about the program and how to sign up, see the attached flyer. Or sign up here! https://uconn.co1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_8H43zSjQJciN7RI Topics […]
Planning for the Future of Your Farm Event
Interested in resources for your farm? Lucky for you, there are plenty! Connecticut farmers and agricultural landowners are invited to attend Connecticut Farmland Trust’s “Planning for the Future of Your Farm” informational session on Wednesday, February 26th from 6:00-8:00 pm at the Killingly Town Hall at 172 Main Street, Danielson, CT 06239. Join speakers from Connecticut Farmland […]
USDA RMA and FSA Crop Reporting Deadlines App
UConn Extension and the USDA RMA developed an app which will send reminders of crop insurance and NAP sign-up deadlines. All crops/products that are presently covered by the USDA RMA and USDA FSA in New England are in the app. Notifications will be sent via text and/or email (you select the method) 4 weeks and […]
Attention Backyard Poultry Owners!
Attention Backyard Poultry Owners! Following proper biosecurity and food safety guidelines is key to keeping your flock and food safe. While Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) is a serious concern, it is not a food safety issue as long as you follow recommended precautions. ✅ Always cook poultry and eggs to a safe internal temperature (165°F). ✅ […]
2025 FSMA Produce Safety Rule/Alliance Training Courses
UConn Extension is pleased to announce that two PSA Grower Training Courses are presently scheduled for late winter 2025. Registration is first come, first served, so please register early, no matter which course you plan to attend.Fsma Instructors: Indu Upadhyaya, Ph.D., Food Safety Specialist, UConn Cooperative Extension Diane Hirsch, MPH, Food Safety Specialist, UConn Jacqueline Kowalski, Urban […]
2025 Tri- State SARE Project Webinar Series
Pasture Based Systems for Sustainable Livestock Production All events will be 10 am to 12 pm. Open to service providers and farmers. No fee to attend. Register in advance. REGISTER at https://forms.office.com/r/gRqYQevGFk Wednesday, February 12, 2025 – Managing a pasture based system in today’s changing climate (webinar) with Kathy Soder (USDA ARS) Wednesday, March 5, 2025 – Pasture adaptation […]
Climate Smart Adaptation Strategies for Beginning Farmers Course
2025 Online Climate Smart Adaptation Strategies for Beginning Farmers Course UConn Extension is coordinating two offerings of a Climate Smart Adaptation Strategies Course, beginning on February 3rd, 2025, and March 5th, 2025. This is an online course (with an optional in-person graduation) designed for new and beginning farmers in Connecticut who have 1-10 years of […]
Registration OPEN – Farm Manager Summit 2025
UConn Extension’s Solid Ground Program team is SO very excited to invite farm managers to join us for our 2nd Farm Manager Summit! We have a great line-up of speakers for you. This event is designed for farm managers that are already working with a farm crew or are on the verge of making their first […]
Meet Nicole Davidow
Nicole Davidow recently joined our team as an Outreach Assistant for the Vegetable and Hemp Extension Program and is working alongside Shuresh Ghimire, our Vegetable Extension Specialist at the Tolland Extension Office. She is originally from Southington and received a bachelor’s degree in International Studies from Fairfield University, focusing on humanitarian crises, social justice issues, […]
Final two Livestock Producer Listening Sessions
There’s two more producer listening sessions from 10am- 2pm, hosted by UConn Extension’s Diversified Livestock Extension Field Based Specialist, MacKenzie White. Join her to share your needs, challenges, and aspirations as a livestock producer in Connecticut. The next session is virtual, on Thursday January 23rd, 2025. Use https://s.uconn.edu/livestocklisteningsession to join! The final session is Tuesday […]
Project Specialist Job Opening
UConn Extension at the College of Agriculture, Health and Natural Resources is seeking a Project Specialist to assist with implementation of the Expanding Connecticut Urban Agriculture through Vacant Lot Activation and Peri-Urban Farmland Access Linking project. Title: Project Specialist UConn College of Agriculture, Health and Natural Resources Department of Extension Location: 67 Stony Hill Rd., Bethel, […]
Meet Sara Tomis
Sara Tomis is our new assistant extension educator for One Health – Agriculture and Community Engagement. Sara is originally from Preston, Connecticut and earned a bachelor of science in agricultural education and outreach from UConn CAHNR and a master of science in agricultural education and communication with a specialization in Extension from the University of […]
Discover the Potential of Agritourism: Free Webinar on January 30
UConn Extension is excited to announce an upcoming agritourism webinar, offering farmers and agricultural business owners a unique opportunity to explore the possibilities of integrating tourism into their agricultural operations. This free, virtual event will take place on Thursday, January 30 from 2-4 PM, and will feature practical insights from seasoned experts and farmers who […]
Ag Mechanics Trainings Available
Our Upcoming Winter trainings for Ag Mechanics are up and ready to go! With some old favorites (like our chainsaw classes and walk-behind tractor) and some new opportunities like the Hand Tool Maintenance and Upkeep class. As someone that has taken a couple of these classes myself, I find that I am constantly pulling the skills I’ve […]
CAES Announces Renewal of the Spotted Lanternfly Quarantine for Connecticut
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, 2025. More information […]
Business of Farming Online Course
The first cohort for our Business of Farming hybrid class is starting Jan 3- right as the new year kicks off! If you want to get the business side of your farm to feel a little more concrete, this should help! So why should you sign up for the Business of Farming? Even if you […]
2025 UConn Extension Vegetable and Small Fruit Growers’ Conference
Earlybird Registration closes on Dec. 29, 2024 Details When: Tuesday, January 7, 2025 Where: UConn Student Union, Storrs, CT Registration Information: Regular: $50.00 (ends December 29, 2024 at 11:59 PM) Late (starting on December 30, 2024): $70.00 Student: $35.00 Register at: s.uconn.edu/vfcregistration Online registration will be open until January 5, 2025 at 11:59 p.m. Walk-in registration may be available but […]
New Online Certificate – FARM RISK MANAGEMENT
New Online Certificate – FARM RISK MANAGEMENT: In-Depth Strategies for Effective Farm Risk Management This unique program from UConn’s College of Agriculture, Health and Natural Resources focuses on critical topics for the agriculture industry, farm risk management. Farm risk management involves understanding and mitigating factors that can impact agricultural operations, such as climate change, pest management, […]
Say “Neigh” to Negativity: How Horses Can Help Us Find Lifelong Happiness
Article by Jenifer Nadeau As people that love horses, horses make us happy! This seems like a simplistic statement but when the pandemic hit I suddenly realized how much horses are a part of my own happiness. In the early days of the pandemic we weren’t really allowed to be on campus but I would […]
Job Opportunities
Looking for a new opportunity in 2025? We have several job openings, including: Assistant/Associate Extension Educator for Agriculture Business Management Visiting Assistant/Associate Educator in Food Systems Regional Aquaculture Liaison Assistant Extension Educator – Visiting Educational Program Assistant – Hartford County Assistant/Associate Extension Professor in Soil Science UConn CAHNR is searching for a Director of the […]
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 […]
Meet MacKenzie White
MacKenzie White joined UConn Extension as our Diversified Livestock Field Based Extension Specialist on November 1, 2024. MacKenzie grew up in Shapleigh, Maine and earned her associates of applied animal science from the Ratcliffe Hicks School of Agriculture at UConn, a bachelor of science in agriculture and natural resources with a minor in animal science […]
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 […]
Apple Picking with the Federally Recognized Tribes Extension Program
As the air begins to get colder and fall crops become ready to harvest, apple picking is a great way to learn about food systems, support local agriculture, and engage in healthy eating behaviors. On October 15th, 2024, twenty youth and child development professionals from the Mashantucket Pequot Tribal Nation (MPTN) traveled to Holmberg Orchards […]
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 […]