Why Build a Website for your Agricultural Business Websites are an important tool to have for your agricultural business. A website provides an online presence and establishes your credibility as a business. Building a website might seem to be a daunting task but this document is here to provide best management practices for building, designing, […]
Agriculture & Food
Ensuring a vibrant and sustainable agricultural industry and food supply
Winter Gift Guide to Northeastern Connecticut Farmers
Honey, Maple Syrup, Cheese, and more! Show your appreciation for your family, friends, and small businesses all at once by shopping locally this holiday season. Check out this winter gift guide to find the perfect gifts and local farms near you. To open the guide click here.
Holiday Greetings
Happy holidays from your friends at UConn Extension. We are committed to a sustainable future. Thank you for your partnership in creating transformational programming for Extension participants and stakeholders in all 169 municipalities of Connecticut.
Natural Disaster Designation for Connecticut Counties
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced a natural disaster designation for counties in Connecticut. At the request of Governor Lamont, farm operators who experienced damage and losses caused by Tropical Storm Isaias from August 4-5, 2020 are eligible for assistance from the Farm Service Agency (FSA). Click here to read the full designation letter. More […]
Build Your Network Grow Our Future Expands
Once the grueling work of summer comes to an end for farmers throughout the state, there are often opportunities for them to network, build skills, and seek out resources for their farms during the colder months. For Beginning Farmers, one of these opportunities is just around the corner. On December 12th from 2-4pm, the New […]
Webinar Series for Greenhouse Growers on Vegetable Seedling Production
UConn Extension Offers Vegetable Seedling & Transplant Production in Greenhouses Webinar Series for Greenhouse Growers A webinar series for growers producing vegetables and herbs as seedlings or transplants in heated greenhouses. Topics include transplant uniformity, root-zone management, organic fertilizers, disease & pest control. One pesticide recertification credit has been approved for three of five one-hour […]
Sweet Potato Nachos
Try out this yummy sweet potato nachos recipe! Click here for a downloadable pdf.
UConn Extension: Committed to a Sustainable Future
Connecticut has faced challenges related to sustainable landscapes, food and agriculture, health, and the climate for generations. As problems are solved, new issues arise. UConn Extension educators work in all 169 cities and towns of Connecticut to help solve the problems that our residents, communities, and state face. Connecting people with agriculture, the natural environment, […]
Finding the Right Livestock Fence with Dr. Joe Emenheiser
Fences are built to keep some animals in, and other animals out! For centuries they have allowed us to domesticate livestock and build permanent settlements. UConn’s new Statewide Livestock Extension Educator, Dr. Joe Emenheiser discusses how you can find the right fence for your animals and what to consider when planning for fencing! Learn more […]
Food Safety Tips For Your Holiday Turkey
The holidays are a time to enjoy your family and friends— Avoid putting a damper on the holiday fun because of unsafe food handling and cooking practices. Follow these tips to play it safe this holiday season: http://bit.ly/Turkey_FoodSafety. Los días festivos son días para disfrutar en familia y con amistades— Evite poner un amortiguador a la […]
Sweet Potato Tater Tots
Enjoy these yummy sweet potato tater tots with your next meal! Click here for a downloadable pdf.
Job Opening: Director of Communications
Job Opening: The College of Agriculture, Health and Natural Resources (CAHNR) at the University of Connecticut is seeking a full-time Director of Communications. Reporting to the Dean, the incumbent in this position will provide vision, leadership, and direction to support CAHNR’s communication and marketing strategies and promote its brand and reputation. The Communications Director must […]
Watch out for Spotted Lanternflies
Watch out for Spotted Lanternflies in your yard! Spotted Lanternfly (SLF) is an invasive and destructive insect that has been found in Connecticut over the past three years. It was reported in West Haven and Greenwich. The insect has the potential to severely impact Connecticut’s farm crops, particularly apples, grapes, and hops, as well as […]
Extension Team Developing Game to Help Consumers Understand Food Labels
The Extension Foundation selected a team from UConn Extension in the College of Agriculture, Health and Natural Resources for the New Technologies in Agricultural Extension catalyst program. Team members are working with wrap-around services from eXtension to develop an interactive learning experience for consumers on navigating food labels in grocery store aisles. Conflicting information causes […]
Shellfish farmers stay afloat with innovation, financial aid
Story and photos by Judy Benson Connecticut shellfish farmers endured the precipitous sales losses that nearly shut their businesses down during the early days of the pandemic last spring. Now, as their normally slow winter season approaches, oyster growers like Dave Hopp, Steve Plant and Larry Fernandez are preparing to weather what could be even […]
Solid Ground AG Mechanics Training Series
Attention all farmers! Are you interested in learning more about welding and chainsaw skills and safety? The Solid Ground Farmer training program is having two in-person trainings this month. Welding 101: https://bit.ly/34pQpLk Chainsaw Skills & Safety: https://bit.ly/37ObEsz
Let’s Talk GMOs: A New Online Course from UConn CAHNR
Are you confused or do you have questions about GMOs? Do you feel inadequate when discussing GMOs? Are you given opposing information of GMOs and not sure what is right? Do you wonder how the misinformation about GMOs spreads like a wildfire? UConn’s College of Agriculture, Health and Natural Resources is offering a new online […]
Virtual Workshop: Marketing Your Farm Online
Attention all farming businesses: Are you interested in learning more about how to market your farm online? Sign up for the Marketing Your Farm Online workshop today! Register Here: https://bit.ly/2Tbcirs
Extension Program Receives USDA-NIFA Grant to Help Beginning Farmers Prosper
Beginning farmers in Connecticut are changing the face of agriculture. With their values driven, sustainable-minded farming practices, they are filling the direct-to-consumer marketplace with high quality food grown intensively on small parcels. Since 2012, UConn Extension, part of the College of Agriculture, Health and Natural Resources, and its partners have responded to the growing number […]
UConn Beef Cattle to Be Sold at Middlesex Livestock Auction This Year
Department of Animal Science UConn Beef Cattle to be Sold at Middlesex Livestock Auction Monday, November 2, 2020 In lieu of an auction held on the UConn campus, UConn beef cattle will be sold at the Middlesex Livestock Auction (488 Cherry Hill Road, Middlefield, CT 06455) on Monday, November 2, 2020 beginning at 7 PM. […]
Celebrate Seafood Month this October with these recipes
Jacques Pepin’s fish tacos, made with local black sea bass fillets, are an easy and delicious way to celebrate National Sea Food Month this October. Pepin, world-famous chef and resident of Madison, provided this recipe as part of two collections of 21 recipes from eight Connecticut chefs compiled by Connecticut Sea Grant. Connecticut Sea Grant […]
2020 Herb of the Year
RUBUS (Brambles) 2020 Herb of the Year Red Raspberry, Black Raspberry, Blackberry & Wineberry Article by Dana Weinberg, UConn Extension Advanced Master Gardener Since 1991, the International Herb Society has chosen an Herb of the Year. This year’s choice is the genus Rubus. The name comes from the Latin word ‘ruber’ meaning red. Indigenous to […]
Valley View Farm is Connecticut Dairy Farm of the Year
New England Green Pastures Connecticut Dairy Farm of the Year 2020 It is indeed a pleasure to announce that Ben and Tim Learned, owners of Valley View Farm, in North Stonington are the 2020 Outstanding Connecticut Dairy Farmers of the Year for the New England Green Pastures Award Program. Ben and Tim have accomplished the […]
Power Up with Breakfast! Go-Grow-Glow!
Written by UConn Dietetics Student Alyson Gaylord You have probably heard that breakfast is the most important meal of the day, but why? The term breakfast means “break- the- fast.” After 8-10 hours of fasting as you sleep, your body is looking for calories and energy. Scientists tell us that kids who eat breakfast tend […]
American Lobster Research & Extension Initiative newsletter
The first issue of the Connecticut newsletter for the American Lobster Research and Extension Initiative, a project of seven Northeast Sea Grant programs including Connecticut Sea Grant, is now available. The newsletter is part of the regional Lobster Extension Program to complement and enhance the research component of NOAA Sea Grant’s American Lobster Initiative. Read […]
Part-Time Agriculture Program Coordinator In-Training Position Open
We are seeking a part-time (20 hours/week) Agriculture Program Coordinator-in-Training to work on our Mashantucket Pequot Federally Recognized Tribes Extension Program (FRTEP). The incumbent will work collaboratively with a team of Extension professionals, tribal members, and leaders to empower members of Mashantucket Pequot Tribal Nation (MPTN) and communities through nutrition education and youth engagement. This […]
Fairfield County 4-H Grows True Leaders: Youth Garden Club Serves the Community
Throughout the summer, 20 youth in the 4-H Community Garden Club have managed a one-acre garden in New Milford. They were led by leaders Anna Loor and her daughter Amira. Each youth worked eight hours every week at the garden and during 4-H time, learned the principles of seeding, planting, weeding, harvesting and garden pests. Critical thinking […]
Wrapping Hay Bales with Zach Duda
Zach Duda, a UConn Extension summer intern with Litchfield County 4-H shows us the hay bale wrapping process.
Overnight Oats with Molly Basak-Smith
Molly Basak-Smith, a registered dietitian with our UConn Extension Expanded Food and Nutrition Education Program (EFNEP) walks us through the process of making overnight oats.
Virtual Learning Circles – New England Women in Livestock Business
Tuesday, 10/06/2020 to Thursday, 10/15/2020 Virtual Learning Circles Join us for a two-day focus session where women livestock producers from around New England will tune in virtually to learn how to strengthen communication and improve negotiation skills to become an even more effective employer and business manager. During this program, women producers will have the […]
Italian Veggie Balls Recipe with UConn EFNEP
Heather Pease from our UConn Extension Expanded Food and Nutrition Education Program (EFNEP) walks us through the process of making Italian Veggie Balls. You can make this delicious and nutritious recipe with a few simple items. It’s healthy and budget-friendly.
USDA FSA Farm Loan Program
Attention farmers: Agricultural producers throughout CT often struggle with limited lending options for their farm operations. The USDA Farm Service Agency has programs available to support farmers who are unable to obtain commercial credit for a multitude of reasons. Loans are available for both real estate and operating purposes and can serve both long-standing family […]
Joe Emenheiser Joins UConn Extension as Diversified Livestock Educator
UConn Extension is pleased to welcome Dr. Joe Emenheiser as our new statewide Livestock Extension Educator. Joe was raised in PA on a small family farm and got his start in the livestock industry with market lambs in 4-H. He built his own flock by shearing sheep and went on to attend Oklahoma State University […]
Meet Alyssa Benoit: Sustainable Food Systems Intern
Hi! My name is Alyssa Benoit and I am interning with Sustainable Food Systems Educator Jiff Martin through UConn CAHNR Extension. I am a rising senior at UConn majoring in Allied Health Sciences, and in the Fast-Track program for a Master’s in Public Administration (MPA) through the Department of Public Policy. I help with communications on […]
Salmonella Testing – Connecticut Veterinary Medical Diagnostic Laboratory
Salmonella testing at the Connecticut Veterinary Medical Diagnostic Laboratory (CVMDL). Salmonella infection (salmonellosis) is a common bacterial disease that targets the intestinal tract of humans and animals as well. Salmonella bacteria typically live in the intestines and are shed to the environment through feces. Backyard poultry and wild birds are susceptible to Salmonella species. They […]
Food Safety with Megan Davenport
Megan Davenport, a UConn Extension summer intern with Hartford County 4-H teaches us about food safety and why it’s important for you and your family. Learn about the four guidelines to food safety, date labels, and much more.
Bell Pepper Pizza with Nikki Santillo
What’s for dinner at your house tonight? Nikki Santillo, a UConn Extension intern with our Expanded Food and Nutrition Education Program walks us through the recipe for a bell pepper pizza.
Meet Klaudia Sowizral: Sustainable Turf and Landscaping Intern
Hi everyone! My name is Klaudia Sowizral and I’m the Sustainable Turf and Landscaping intern. I’m a rising junior here at UConn pursuing a double major in Environmental Science with a concentration in Sustainable Systems, as well as a major in Sustainable Plant and Soil Science, and a minor in creative writing. My interests include […]
Food and Nutrition Security in Fairfield County
Seniors Eating Well Program: A community partnership between UConn Extension SNAP-Ed Food Security project, Elmwood Hall Senior Center, Danbury Farmers’ Market and Clatter Valley Farm provides a free produce box ($10 value) for seniors in need. SNAP-Ed provides nutrition education materials following the Penn State Seniors Eating Well curriculum and includes a postcard with QR […]
Pizza – A Healthy Recipe with Dianisi Torres
Dianisi Torres of our UConn Extension Expanded Food and Nutrition Education Program (EFNEP) makes a healthy pizza with you using ingredients from the Dollar Store. The presentation is in English and Spanish. Dianisi Torres, de nuestro programa Educación Alimentaria y Nutricional Expandida de la Extension de UConn, conocido como EFNEP, hace una pizza saludable con […]