USDA

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

Windham Well Testing Workshop

Register today for a well water workshop for residents in Windham, Coventry and Mansfield! Even if your well water tastes and smells fine, that doesn’t always mean its safe to drink.  The workshop will run Sunday, February 12th, 2:30pm-4:00pm at Eastern Connecticut State University. At the end of the workshop there will be the opportunity […]

2022 Census of Agriculture Underway in New England

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) mailed the 2022 Census of Agriculture paper questionnaires to all known agriculture producers across the nation and Puerto Rico. Last month, producers in the states received their survey codes with an invitation to respond online. Any New England producer who did not respond online now has the option to complete […]

Eat Smart, Live Strong with Heather Peracchio

Registered Dietitian and Assistant Extension Educator Heather Peracchio delivered the USDA Eat Smart, Live Strong session on Tuesday December 13th at Butter Brook Senior and Disabled Housing in New Milford, CT.  Seniors learned about eating fruits and vegetables and moving more throughout the winter. Seniors taste-tested a delicious one pot minestrone soup and received a […]

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. […]

USDA Announces Pandemic Assistance for Timber Harvesters and Livestock Producers

USDA to Provide Pandemic Assistance to Livestock Producers for Animal Losses Farm Service Agency Will Begin Taking Applications for indemnity program July 20th Livestock and poultry producers who suffered losses during the pandemic due to insufficient access to processing can apply for assistance for those losses and the cost of depopulation and disposal of the animals. The […]

Save Your Boxwoods: Check Them for the Box Tree Moth!

A Message from USDA to Gardeners in Connecticut A New Invasive Pest May Be in Connecticut The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is responding to a significant plant health threat and needs your help. Please check your boxwood plants for the invasive and destructive box tree moth. During the spring, a number of U.S. nurseries […]

CAES Announces the Finding of the Box Tree Moth in Connecticut

The Connecticut Agricultural Experiment Station (CAES) in cooperation with USDA U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS), Plant Protection and Quarantine (PPQ) announce the detection of the box tree moth, Cydalima perspectalis (Walker), at a single retail nursery in Connecticut on boxwood imported from a nursery in Ontario, Canada. As of […]

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 […]

Growing Food with the Mashantucket Pequot Tribal Nation

The Mashantucket Pequot Tribal Nation and UConn Extension have been collaborating thanks to a U.S.D.A. Federally Recognized Tribes Extension Program to enhance agricultural production, food security, and health of tribal community members. UConn Extension Growing Food With the Mashantucket Pequot Tribal Nation #AskUConnExtension #UConnImpact

Washing Raw Poultry: Food Safety Choices

A study from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) reveals that individuals are putting themselves at risk of illness when they wash or rinse raw poultry. “Cooking and mealtime is a special occasion for all of us as we come together with our families and friends,” said Dr. Mindy Brashears, the USDA’s Deputy Under Secretary […]

Quantifying Water Use

“New York City is surrounded by water,” Angie Harris says, “I realized it was a great source of beauty, transportation, and recreation. But it was also contaminated and deeply problematic.” Angie grew up in Queens, New York. She realized water was a crucial resource of concern while an undergraduate at New York University studying environmental […]

Super Tracker App

Did you know that the U.S. Department of Agriculture has an app to help you track your food, fitness, and health? Download SuperTracker. With it you receive a personalized nutrition and physical activity plan, can track your food and physical activity; and receive tips and support to help you make healthier choices and plan ahead.

Meat and Poultry Hotline for Food Safety Info

USDA Expands Meat and Poultry Hotline Hours to Further Provide Food Safety Information to Consumers The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) announced that it is increasing the delivery of safe food handling and preparation information by expanding the hours of its Meat and Poultry Hotline and Ask Karen chat services.  […]

International Year of Soils

The U.S. Department of Agriculture kicked off its celebration of the International Year of Soils  to highlight the importance of healthy soils for food security, ecosystem functions and resilient farms and ranches. “Healthy soil is the foundation that ensures working farms and ranches become more productive, resilient to climate change and better prepared to meet the challenges of […]