Fanny Hernandez joined UConn Extension as our Evaluation Specialist in April. She is from the Dominican Republic, and before moving to Connecticut, she lived in Kalamazoo, Michigan, for almost nine years. She earned a bachelor’s degree in industrial engineering from the Santo Domingo Institute of Technology (INTEC) and a certificate in education in the Dominican […]
Agriculture & Food
Ensuring a vibrant and sustainable agricultural industry and food supply
Biological Controls for Ornamental Growers: Aug. 15 in New Haven
We’re pleased to offer the Biological Controls for Ornamental Growers program again this year in partnership with the Connecticut Agricultural Experiment Station in New Haven. The details include: Biological Control Conference for Ornamental Growers Thursday, August 15, 2024 Jones Auditorium at the Connecticut Agricultural Experiment Station (CAES), New Haven, CT Featuring: · Suzanne Wainwright Evans […]
Vegetable IPM Field Workshop: August 1, 2024 in Storrs
Vegetable IPM Field Workshop August 1, 2024 – 3 – 6 pm – rain or shine UConn Plant Science Research and Education Facility, 59 Agronomy Road, Storrs CT Join UConn Extension Faculty at the Plant Science Research Farm to learn about important vegetable pests and management options. Presentation topics include: UConn Plant Diagnostic Lab updates Bacterial […]
Job Opening: New Farmer Business Specialist Program Assistant 2
Tolland County Extension is hiring! Seeking applicants for a part-time (19.25 hours per week) Educational Program Assistant 2 to serve as New Farmer Business Specialist in Vernon, CT. This position will perform customized technical assistance and group training to bolster farm business planning, financial management, access to grants and capital through established state and federal […]
Pollinator Week
Happy Pollinator Week! We have resources to help you support pollinators in your yard and outdoor spaces: http://s.uconn.edu/pollinators – we’ll be celebrating them again in July for our annual Bug Week activities too (http://bugs.uconn.edu).
Job Opening: Vegetable & Hemp Outreach Assistant
We’re hiring! UConn Extension seeks applicants for a full-time Extension Outreach Assistant (Educational Program Assistant 2) to provide administrative and programmatic support to the Vegetable and Hemp Extension Program. This position will perform farm scouting and consultations with growers, and report farm observations and data to Extension faculty in vegetable production to create extension publications. Details: […]
Eighteen Farms Chosen for Climate Smart Farming Microgrants
UConn Extension is delighted to announce that eighteen new and beginning farmers are receiving climate smart microgrants fueled by Connecticut Department of Agriculture’s Climate Smart Farming: Agriculture and Forestry Grant. UConn Extension was one of 12 recipients and received a total of $500,000 with nearly half of that to be distributed through microgrants which will […]
Meet Amelia Magistrali
Amelia Magistrali joined our team as an Associate Extension Educator in soil health in May. Originally from Torrington, she earned a bachelor of arts in environmental studies from Middlebury College, a master of science in organic farming and food production systems from Newcastle University in the United Kingdom, and a PhD from Newcastle University as […]
Put Local on Your Tray Toolkit
Many of soils throughout Connecticut tend to be more acidic, formed as rocks were ground and deposited by glaciation. The pH of soils cultivated for vegetable growing typically declines (becomes more acidic) gradually from the removal of calcium, magnesium and potassium ions–by leaching and crop uptake–and from the use of acid-forming fertilizers. Testing every year gives a more complete evaluation and is also appropriate when significant changes have been made in the fertilizer program. Reviewing fertilizer labelling is essential.
Workshop: Pasture Based Systems Sustainable Livestock Production
Join UConn Extension for a tour of Pat’s Pastured, a Rhode Island pasture-raised livestock and poultry farm that serves both retail and wholesale customers. Following the tour, owner Pat McNiff will lead a presentation and answer questions regarding the economic analysis and decision making involved with growing, harvesting and marketing his products to ensure the […]
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 […]
Bird Health Webinar on Bolstering Biosecurity
USDA’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service invites you to join a webinar on Tuesday, March 12, 2024, at 3:30 p.m. ET for information about resources that may be helpful to producers seeking to enhance their biosecurity. The 30-minute webinar will feature a presentation from USDA’s Farm Service Agency (FSA) on loan programs that they […]
Small Farm Innovation Project
Española abajo UConn College of Engineering and College of Agriculture, Health and Natural Resources, are developing a project-based learning curriculum that connects farmers to a collaborative team of students, faculty, Extension, and agriculture service providers, to help bring your ideas to fruition. Do you have an idea for a new tool, or a way to […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
Workshop: Options to Mitigate Farm Financial Losses
Workshop Announcement: Join UConn Extension at CLiCK in Windham for a workshop on how to alleviate financial issues due to climate change and better understand United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Farm Service Agency (FSA) programs as well as crop insurance and farm finances. Tuesday, January 16, 2024 9:00 a.m. – 12 noon
Winter 2024 Ornamental and Turf Short 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 exam. […]
2024 CT Vegetable and Small Fruit Growers’ Conference
UConn Extension Vegetable & Small Fruit Growers’ Conference January 9, 2024 UConn Student Union, Rooms 330 & 304 For full agenda and more information visit: s.uconn.edu/ctvfcprogram Early Registration $40.00, ends Wednesday December 20, 2023 at noon $60.00 after December 20, 2023 Matriculated Students: $30.00 with valid school ID Online registration will be open until January 3, […]
Build Scientific Understanding of Genetic Engineering with High School Students
UConn Extension has made available a standards-based curriculum aimed at addressing the misunderstandings about genetically modified foods. This curriculum, aimed toward science and agriscience educators, provides information about the applications of genetic engineering in agriculture and other fields. Both a formal and non-formal curriculum are available. The non-formal curriculum is a great tool that could be […]
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 […]
8 Essential “Always” of Holiday Food Safety
Article by Indu Upadhyaya, Ph.D., Assistant Extension Educator, Food Safety Holiday gatherings bring families and friends together, to spread more joy and happiness. While the merriment begins around Thanksgiving and continues until the New Years’, the food during holiday buffets, the party trays, the turkey, and other delicacies remain the main attraction of gathering. But be […]
Online Course: Climate Smart Adaptation Strategies for CT Farmers
Climate Smart Adaptation Strategies for CT Farmers Join UConn Extension Solid Ground program in a new course that will help you understand the best practices for your farm in a changing climate. Course includes expert instructors in various fields implementing climate smart agriculture practices, tools under $2000 that are suggested for use, virtual field trips […]
Meet Mike Gilman
Mike Gilman of Branford recently joined us as an Assistant Extension Educator with Connecticut Sea Grant, where he works with our aquaculture program. Mike received his bachelor of science from Albertus Magnus College and a master of science from Southern Connecticut State University. What is your area of interest? My main areas of interest are […]
Meet Heather Zidack
Heather Zidack (‘11 CAHNR, ’12 Neag) joined the UConn Home and Garden Education Center as an educational program assistant in September. Heather works with faculty and staff at UConn to provide educational resources and answer home and gardening questions for residents statewide. She earned her bachelor of science in ornamental horticulture and her master of […]
Climate Smart Adaptation Strategies for Beginner Famers
Hey Farmers! Looking for a new suite of tools and resources for you to use on your farms to help you make good decisions about the climate needs you are undoubtedly facing. We want to tell you about them! So JOIN US for an introduction to UConn Extension’s newest project to support beginning farmers as they shift […]
Seaweed growers urged to pursue markets in plant-based foods
Story and photos by Judy Benson Carl Jorgensen, consultant to the Plant Based Foods Association and the Plant Based Foods Institute, talks about the potential of kelp in the plant-based food industry during the 8th Annual Connecticut Seaweed Stakeholders Meeting. Plant-based alternatives to meat, milk and other foods derived from animal products are the fastest […]
Fall Soil Testing Yields Spring Benefits
Fall is the perfect time of year to test your soil for gardens, agricultural fields, yards, or athletic fields. The UConn Soil Nutrient Analysis Laboratory tests for a variety of major and minor plant nutrients, lead and pH. Limestone and fertilizer recommendations are based on University research and field studies. Details on how to take […]
FREE Climate Mitigation Workshop
This UConn Extension workshop, in partnership with USDA RMA, will assist producers in understanding the seasonal risks, challenges and opportunities associated with our changing climate. Click the flyer above for more info!
Visit us at the CT Ag Expo on November 8th
2023 CT Ag Expo Wednesday, November 8th 8:00AM to 2:00PM Visit UConn Extension at the CT Ag Expo on Wednesday, November 8th. The Expo is showcasing the latest in agricultural innovation, farm equipment, crop production, farm supplies, and agricultural services. Registration includes: Networking Lunch Connecticut Beer & Wine Samples Taste of Connecticut Pesticide CEU Credits […]
Youth Photography Scavenger Hunt at Meechooôk Farm
UConn Extension collaborated with the Mashantucket Pequot Tribal Nation (MPTN) Departments of Agriculture and Parks and Recreation to facilitate a youth photography scavenger hunt at Meechooôk Farm in July 2023. This activity is part of a larger shared commitment to youth development and improvements in agricultural literacy in the MPTN community. MPTN youth were provided […]
Connecticut Gardeners’ 2024 Calendar
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, […]
Celebrating National Farmer’s Day
Today is National Farmer’s Day, and here at UConn Extension, we celebrate our farmers every day. Extension professionals work statewide to help farmers improve their operations, diversify crops, and scale up their business models. Jiff Martin is our Food Systems Extension Educator and works with agricultural producers statewide to strengthen agriculture and promote local agriculture […]
Meet Maggie Ng
Maggie Ng recently joined UConn Extension as an outreach assistant for our vegetable crops and hemp programs, based in our Vernon office. She earned a bachelor’s degree from Hampshire College in Amherst, Massachusetts where her focus was on climate change in agriculture. Maggie conducted a year-long research project for her thesis, interviewing local farmers on […]