UConn Extension

“[Microgreens] can be bought whole and cut at home,” Sherry Gray, one of our Extension professionals, said. “So basically, they are young vegetables that fall between sprouts and baby leaf vegetables. Because of this they have intense aromatic flavor and concentrated nutrient content.” A new farm in Torrington is one of many locations where microgreens are available: https://lnkd.in/esBbXBrJ

“Municipal staff often lack the capacity to plan and implement resilience projects, and Climate Corps bridges that gap,” David Dickson says. “Over time, communities have become repeat partners, allowing for sustained progress.” Notable examples include: - Stonington: Over five years, eight projects have supported this coastal town, including a recent climate vulnerability assessment for Latimer Point. - Hartford: Two projects addressed stormwater runoff and riparian buffers along the Connecticut River. - Alliance for the Mystic River Watershed: A collaboration among Stonington, Groton, Ledyard, North Stonington, and the Eastern and Mashantucket Pequot Nations resulted in three projects in 2024, addressing business resilience, water quality, land use dynamics, and variable weather observations.

We’re kicking off our Thank A Farmer campaign for National Ag Week! Join us in celebrating the hardworking Connecticut farmers who grow our food, care for our land, and support our communities. Stay tuned for ways to participate leading up to and during National Ag Week from March 16-22! More information on Extension programs supporting Connecticut agriculture is available at https://lnkd.in/ecHfzMBU #ThankAFarmer #AgDayCT

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 Trials - Recognizing the Spined Soldier Bug Managing Early Season Vegetable Pests - Recommendations for Quality Vegetable Transplants and Herbs - Survey: UConn Extension’s Soil Health Program Wants Your Input - Survey: Assessing AI on Connecticut Farms - Dialing in Nutrient Management for Fruit Production and Beyond - Lettuce Diseases Commonly Found in CT - Educational Opportunities & Events: Farm Risk Management Online Modules - Climate Mitigation Field Days Read the full issue online at https://lnkd.in/gbztWSwD

Applications for our Small Farm Innovation Projects are due March 15th - applicants must be production farmers located in Connecticut with a minimum of one year of production experience. Reach out if you have questions, we're excited to offer this opportunity.

Farm Biosecurity Workshop: Learn how to boost your biosecurity with UConn Extension Concerned about avian influenza and the health of your farm and family? Join UConn Extension to learn practical biosecurity recommendations for livestock and poultry operations of all sizes while developing a biosecurity plan. Families, 4-Hers, and hobbyists are welcome! Upcoming Workshop Sessions Thursday, March 20th, 2025 - 6:00pm-7:30pm New London County Extension Center, Norwich Saturday, March 22nd, 2025 - 10:30am-12:00pm Litchfield County Extension Center, Torrington Please register in advance at: https://lnkd.in/gZKxPhpT Questions? Email [email protected]

By the Numbers offers a snapshot of UConn Extension’s impact, showing how we deliver answers you can trust. Our research-based education reaches thousands across Connecticut, supporting agriculture, youth development, natural resources, and community health. For over a century, we’ve provided the tools and knowledge people need to thrive. From helping farmers grow sustainably to equipping youth with leadership skills, our programs make a lasting difference every year. Learn more at https://lnkd.in/ert2whdQ

Agritourism is growing, and Extension professionals nationwide are working together to support farmers and ranchers in this field. Stacey Stearns from UConn Extension is part of the project management team for the Nationwide Agritourism Curriculum, a three-year initiative funded by the USDA Beginning Farmer and Rancher Development Program and led by West Virginia University Extension. The team recently met in Puerto Rico to develop the curriculum framework and visit agritourism operations. Stay tuned as they share resources and training opportunities to help farmers navigate agritourism successfully! Photo Credit: West Virginia University Extension

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. Biosecurity is a shared responsibility for the entire animal industry and its partners. By taking steps to mitigate the flow of people, animals, and items in and out of an operation, farms, families, and communities can remain safe. Our latest fact sheet includes a biosecurity plan template you can use and is available at https://lnkd.in/eAgtdC4e

When you need reliable, research-based answers to questions about agriculture, gardening, food safety, and more, UConn Extension is here to help. Our team of professionals provides timely, science-backed information to support farmers, gardeners, residents, and communities across Connecticut. Explore our Answers to Common Questions or submit your own inquiry at s.uconn.edu/AskExtension. Stay informed with Answers You Can Trust—from best practices in sustainable agriculture to food preservation and land management.