Register today for this ag expo showcasing the latest in ag innovation, farm equipment, tractors, farm implements, seed & crop protection products, farm supplies & services. This event is happening on Friday November 18th in Southington at the Aquaturf from 10AM till 4PM. Registration includes – Trade Show – State-wide Networking – Buffet Lunch – […]
Agriculture & Food
Ensuring a vibrant and sustainable agricultural industry and food supply
FSMA Produce Safety Course
FSMA Produce Safety Rule/Produce Safety Alliance Approved Grower Training Course (In person) November 30, December 1; December 2, Snow Date 8:30 am through 3:30 pm Middlesex County Extension Center 1066 Saybrook Rd Haddam, CT Registration Deadline Friday, 11/18 Space limited to 30 participants. REGISTRATION: Course fee is $50. The preferred method of registration/payment is through […]
Keep Your Food Safe & Fresh: Simple Canning & Preservation Tips
Are you looking for a way to keep fruits and vegetables fresh for longer? Do you want to extend the shelf life of summer and fall foods from your garden? The webinar hosted in late September is now available for viewing online! Follow the link below to the webinar recording, and follow along with the […]
Novice or veteran, fishermen value safety & survival training
Participants in Safety at Sea training practice boarding a life raft. Story and photos by Judy Benson Dan Russell and Abraham Powell are at opposite ends of their fishing careers. While both work from vessels docked in New London, Russell is a boat captain who’s been fishing for 50 years. Powell is brand new, having […]
4-H Annual Survey
Its that time of year again! Please make sure to check your email over the next few weeks as we send out links to the annual 4-H survey. We use this information to improve our programming!
FRTEP Field Trip to Holmberg Orchards
We had such a fun field trip to Holmberg Orchards last Friday with a group of Mashantucket Pequot Tribal Member youth! The children picked their own apples and went home with apple recipes and activity pages. They had a great time learning about apple production and were very excited to try the fruit they had […]
UConn Beef Cattle to Be Sold at Middlesex Livestock Auction
EDIT: Today’s sale of UConn Beef Cattle at the Middlesex Livestock Auction has been changed to next Monday, October 31, 2022. A select number of cows will still be sold at today’s auction (starting at 7PM) and a number of young stock will be for sale on the 31st. More details can be found at […]
Save the Date: CT Ag Expo
Save the Date: Connecticut Agricultural Expo 2022 Friday, November 18th, 2022 Aquaturf, Southington, CT Theme: Ag Innovation & Technology Event Partners: Connecticut Department of Agriculture Connecticut Farm Bureau Farm Credit East UConn Extension More information is available at https://www.cfba.org/connecticut-agricultural-expo-2022/.
Indigenous People’s Day
Indigenous People’s Day celebrates the cultures, histories, and contributions of Native and Indigenous peoples in the United States and across the world. It honors America’s first inhabitants and the Tribal nations that continue to thrive here today, recognizing their contributions and acknowledging their resilience and strength in the face of a centuries-long campaign of violence, […]
Calling Master Gardener Alumni
Along with the changes in temperature and color brought with Fall, graduation season is upon us! As our new cohort of interns are joining the ranks of seasoned Master Gardener’s, we would love to hear from our Alums – even if you have not participated in Master Gardener events in a while. We encourage you […]
Encuesta del USDA para Agricultores Latin@ de habla hispana (estipendio de $200) // Latinx Spanish Speaking Farmers USDA Survey ($200 Stipend)
English message follows below the Spanish message // El mensaje en inglés sigue debajo de este mensaje en español. Estimada comunidad agrícola de CT y del noreste: Espero que todos hayan tenido un gran comienzo de semana. Mi nombre es Dra. Ivette Ruiz soy la fundadora de Healing By Growing Farms. Estoy muy […]
Nutrition Education in Action
Extension is out and about – and you may run into us at a local event. Our nutrition educators were at two events on Saturday, September 17th. First, the public learned how “Healthy Eating can Boost Your Immune System” through two on-site classes and cooking demonstrations at the Danbury Farmers’ Market. Participants learned how […]
Online Artisan Dairy Food Safety Plan Coaching Workshop
UConn is currently offering a new Artisan Dairy Food Safety Plan Coaching workshop program. The online, self-paced Virtual Artisan Dairy Food Safety Plan Coaching Workshop is intended for small to mid-sized cheese, ice cream, yogurt, and other dairy food producers who are preparing to create, or are already developing, a Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA) compliant, […]
Job Opening: Master Gardener Coordinator – Tolland County
The UConn Extension Master Gardener Program is seeking applications for the position of Master Gardener Tolland County Program Coordinator. This is a 16-hour-per-week position and is a temporary, six-month appointment. Renewal is optional pending coordinator review and availability of program funding. Responsibilities include but are not limited to providing leadership for the base county Master […]
Home and Garden Center Launches New Website
The UConn Home & Garden Education Center has been posting weekly blogs on a variety of horticultural topics since 2009. Over the years, contributors have included UConn faculty, staff, students and even a few guest columnists, each providing their unique takes on what’s happening in their yards and gardens, the latest horticultural happenings, ways to […]
Adventures in Agriculture with Mashantucket Youth and 4-H
As a part of the symbiotic partnership between the Mashantucket Pequot Tribal Nation (MPTN) and UConn Extension and supported by USDA NIFA’s Federally Recognized Tribes Extension Program (FRTEP), tribal youth engage in outreach opportunities designed to educate students about the origin of food and fiber. Programming during summer 2022 included a series of STEM activity […]
10 Ways to Volunteer with UConn 4-H
No matter how much time you have, volunteering with UConn 4-H makes a difference by helping youth explore and discover the skills they need to lead for a lifetime. There are lots of ways to get involved! Please note, your volunteer experience and/or opportunities may be happening virtually or in-person. Contact UConn 4-H for more […]
Online Course Explores History of GMOs and More
UConn Extension is offering an online course, Let’s Talk GMOs: Creating Consistent Communication Messages. Participants are introduced to the basics of genetically modified organisms (GMOs). They will learn how to create consistent communication messages and manage dialogue processes about GMOs with various audiences. The asynchronous course is available on-demand; it has eight online modules with instructors […]
Help Wanted: Become a UConn 4-H Volunteer
UConn 4-H is Accepting Volunteer Applications UConn 4-H provides youth with life-changing experiences from flying rockets into space with NASA to organizing national conferences for other youth, and everything in between. These experiences are possible because of thousands of adult mentors and volunteers who work throughout the state and guide youth to reach their potential. […]
Visit Extension at the Gather New Haven Festival
Our UConn Extension Master Gardeners will be at the 1st Annual Gather New Haven Festival on Sunday, September 18th, celebrating health, wellness, and nature. Stop by and visit us to learn more about the program, ask your plant and horticulture questions, or pick up an application for our 2023 class. — The First Annual Gather […]
Youth Genetic Engineering Curriculum Available
Education Professionals and 4-H Leaders: Use our genetic engineering curriculum (both formal and informal) for assistance in your classroom or with your 4-H club. Full curriculum downloads are available at s.uconn.edu/genetic-engineering-curriculum These can also be used in other educational settings, learn more and explore the toolkit at s.uconn.edu/genetic-engineering-curriculum. This work is supported by Agriculture and […]
Results of CT Sheep Producers Survey
CT Sheep Survey Report Factsheet August 2022 Limitations associated with characterizing and quantifying sheep operations in the state of Connecticut present obstacles to communication, community development, and growth opportunities for producers. A survey was conducted from October 2021 to February 2022 in order to gain insight into the status and health of the Connecticut sheep […]
Spotted Lanternfly on the Move in Connecticut
The Spotted Lanternfly is on the move in Connecticut. In mid-August adults were confirmed in Norwich (New London County) and this week in two locations in New Milford (Litchfield County). These confirmed populations are in addition to the ones already known in Fairfield County (Greenwich, Stamford, New Canaan, Darian, Norwalk, Westport & Fairfield) and New […]
Youth Invited to Apply for Biotechnology Career Readiness Program
Youth are invited to apply for a new biotechnology career readiness program with UConn Extension’s 4-H program. Cohorts of teen 4-H members will build knowledge and career awareness through the program, while also visiting laboratories, meeting with biotechnology professionals, and developing a biotechnology video game. Applications are available now for this new program at s.uconn.edu/biotech […]
ConnCAP and SNAP-Ed/EFNEP
Article by Riley Courtney In July, Heather Peracchio, RDN and summer Extension intern Riley Courtney visited UConn’s Stamford campus for the purpose of providing nutrition and healthy eating education to teen members of the ConnCAP program. To start off, the two instructed the group on some principals of nutrition using the USDA’s MyPlate as a […]
Safe Food Handling Practices for Farm Workers
Food safety is critical on agricultural operations. Dr. Indu Upadhyaya explains safe harvesting practices for farm workers. In part two of our food safety practices for agricultural operations training, Dr. Indu Upadhyaya explains safe post-harvest practices for farm workers.
Hyde’s Dairy Farm Named 2022 CT Outstanding Dairy Farm for New England Green Pastures
Hyde’s Dairy Farm LLC in North Franklin is the 2022 Connecticut Outstanding Dairy Farm. Owner Dave Hyde and his team will be recognized at the New England Green Pastures award ceremony at the Eastern States Exposition in September. Dave’s father, Harry, helps wherever needed, Samantha Hoffman is herdsman, and there are also three part-time employees. […]
Summer Program Updates
Empowering Connecticut Communities Extension programs are in full swing this summer, both in-person and online. we are here to serve and empower our Connecticut communities, while co-creating solutions to the critical issues that residents and communities are facing. Programs focus on the expertise of the College of Agriculture, Health and Natural Resources (CAHNR) and incorporate […]
Youth: Apply for New Biotechnology Career Readiness Program
Youth are invited to apply for a new biotechnology career readiness program with UConn Extension’s 4-H program. Cohorts of teen 4-H members will build knowledge and career awareness through the program, while also visiting laboratories, meeting with biotechnology professionals, and developing a biotechnology video game. Applications are available now for this new program at s.uconn.edu/biotech […]
Buzzworthy News: Bug Week Approaches!
Do you think that creepy crawlers are cool? How about ones that fly? Are you fascinated with insects and want to learn more about them in a fun way? As the vegetable entomology extension intern, I am working closely with Dr. Ana Legrand to create exciting outreach content for the upcoming Bug Week event ranging […]
Greenhouse Biological Control Conference in August
UConn Extension is hosting a Greenhouse Biological Control Conference on August 16th. Hosted by: Leanne Pundt and Rosa Raudales, UConn Extension Target audience: Commercial growers producing ornamentals or vegetable transplants in heated greenhouses. Location and Parking Information: Jones Auditorium, The Connecticut Agricultural Experiment Station, 123 Huntington Street, New Haven, CT. The entrance to Jones Auditorium is on the north […]
What is SNAP-Ed? Intern Jenna Zydanowicz Explains
My name is Jenna Zydanowicz, I am a rising junior, and an Allied Health Science major. I have a passion for nutrition, engaging with the community, and trying to promote healthy lifestyles. I love being able to educate families, children, and adults on the importance of nutrition and still eating well on a low income […]
Northeast CT Farm and Food Guide
Grown ConNECTed has released a new Guide to Farm Fresh Food in Northeastern CT for 2022. This guide is an attempt at creating a comprehensive listing of farms selling directly to consumers in the Northeastern CT region and that your constituents can use to find local food, grown and raised in Northeastern CT. A digital copy […]
Urban Farmer Trainings in July
Hey Farmers! We are lucky indeed because we have a whole series of Urban Farmer Trainings coming up! Kicking it off on July 16 and 23rd, the I Got Next Farmers are teaming up with Keney Park Sustainability Project and UConn’s Solid Ground program to provide two full days of training (with lunch included!) from […]
Nutrition Education in the Community Through SNAP-Ed
Hello everyone! My name is Brooke Bosco, and I am a rising senior majoring in Dietetics. This summer I am an extension intern working with the UConn School and Family Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program – Education Program (SNAP-Ed). UConn Healthy Family CT SNAP-Ed works towards accomplishing Connecticut’s goals and objectives to deliver nutrition education and […]
Juneteenth (June 19th) – Jubilee Day, National Independence Day, Black Independence Day
June 19th is Juneteenth! The word “Juneteenth”, a combination of June and nineteenth, also known as “Jubilee Day, Freedom Day, Emancipation Day, National Independence Day and Black Independence Day”. The slaves were freed on January 1, 1863, but it took a long time for word to reach other parts of the United States. On June […]
Soil-biodegradable plastic mulch: Is it right for you?
By Shuresh Ghimire, UConn Cooperative Extension and Andy Radin, URI Cooperative Extension Something important for you to consider: your use of plastic mulch in vegetable production. This is especially worthy to think about given that plastic mulch isn’t just for tomatoes, peppers, and eggplant anymore. Most small-scale growers use it for onions, lettuce, herbs, and […]
Job Openings with UConn Extension
UConn Extension is hiring! We have several positions open. Please visit the individual position links for full descriptions and information on how to apply: Assistant/Associate Extension Educator – Soil Health Associate Dean for Extension 4-H Youth Development Food and Agricultural Literacy Assistant/Associate Extension Educator in Water Quality Administrative Program Support 1, Storrs Campus Educational Program […]
Meet Solid Ground’s new Program Co-Coordinator: Brittany Hall! Inbox
Hey Farmers! Just wanted to give a face to a new name you might see floating around to help with out Solid Ground Projects. Though we were so lucky and grateful to have Charlotte Ross for many years helping with the project, she has stepped down and Brittany Hall has taken her position! Here’s a […]
Hemp Fest Registration Open
Dear hemp growers, service providers, and businesses interested in the hemp industry, We invite you to join us for an educational and networking event on Thursday, June 2, 2022, from 3-7 pm at Running Brook Farms, Killingworth, CT. The educational portion will include farmer panel discussions covering Hemp IPM as well as reduced tillage for […]