Whether growing blueberries commercially or in a home garden, regular and thoughtful pruning is one of the most important aspects of cultural management. Well-pruned blueberry bushes will produce high-quality, large berries for decades. This fact sheet provides a step-by-step guide to pruning blueberries complete with benefits, details on making cuts, and differences between pruning young and established bushes.
Ten Tips to Remember When Farming with Livestock During the Winter in Connecticut
The beauty of having four seasons in Connecticut also requires navigating the challenges presented with extreme winter weather, including freezing temperatures, high winds, or significant precipitation. This factsheet offers livestock farmers and producers recommendations to manage livestock and farm, and continue operating safely through the winter season.
Expiration, Use-By and Sell-By dates: What Do They Really Mean?
The dates on food packaging can be confusing. Most dates tell you when the food tastes best, not when it is unsafe. In fact, there are about 50 different date labels in the United States (U.S.), and none are regulated. The tips in this fact sheet will help you know if your food is still safe to eat.
Wisely Choosing and Incorporating Health Supplements Into Your Diet
Certain supplements may have harmful interactions with medications and other supplements. Taking multiple or combining supplements with prescribed medications can increase the risk of side effects or make your medication less effective. This is particularly true for senior citizens who are taking multiple prescription medications.
Weight Management in Horses – Slow Feeders
Some horses do not require as much feed as others to maintain a healthy weight, and also gain weight quickly. To avoid having horses gain too much weight, horse owners may want to consider the use of slow feeders, which regulate the amount of feed available at any given time. This fact sheet examines the various types of slow feeder available, along with the pros and cons associated with them.
Transitioning Your Horses from Winter to Spring
When the days grow longer, and snow has melted, it’s tempting to want to pick up the reins again. Not so fast! Here are some ideas for getting your horse ready for Spring.
Red Maple Toxicity and Your Horse
Many horse owners have concerns about red maple disease in horses. Fresh red maple leaves are NOT toxic to horses, but wilted or dried leaves and the bark are extremely toxic. Fortunately, red maple disease is not that common and often easy to prevent.
Soil Health Winter Sessions
The UConn Extension Soil Health program is holding a free Farmer-to-Farmer Discussion series this February, led by Dr. Amelia Magistrali, UConn Extension’s soil health professional. Each session will be small (maximum of 8 participants) and provide an opportunity to discuss topics of relevance to soil health with other farmers, facilitated by Magistrali and other UConn […]
Nutrient Management for Fruit Production and Beyond: Deficiencies, Excesses, and Current Technologies
Adequate nutrient management is essential in all fruit production systems. The availability of essential plant macro- and micronutrients influences the growth and development of plants, fruit yield, and subsequent fruit quality. The goal of a well thought-out nutrient management plan is to maximize output, while avoiding system deficiencies and excesses. This fact sheet explores some of the common complicating factors in nutrient management, the tools available to growers, and available resources.
Meet Jessica Goldman!
Meet Jessica Goldman! She recently joined our team as an educational program assistant in the Middlesex County Extension Center in Haddam. Jessica has degrees in psychology and community engagement and is from Newington. She is supporting the Center for Land Use Education and Research (CLEAR), Master Gardener, and 4-H programs in Middlesex County. What is […]
Fungicides for Bedding Plants in Connecticut
Connecticut has a robust greenhouse industry that produces a wide range of ornamental crops. Bedding plants are an important category and bring in significant revenue for greenhouse operations each Spring. There are many factors involved in the production of high quality bedding plants, including cultivar selection, fertilizer, light, temperature, and control of pests and diseases.
Signs of Health Problems: How to Determine if Your Horse is Not Well
Health problems in horses are not always easy to detect. If you know what is normal for your horse, then you may be able to tell when they are sick. Common ailments and their symptoms are included in this factsheet. This is not a comprehensive list. Be sure to consult your veterinarian when you notice something unusual.
Edible Mushroom Nutrition Facts
Mushrooms are popular in dishes not only for their unique flavors, but also for their nutritional and health benefits. While there are thousands of species of mushroom, only about two dozen are accepted for use as food. This fact sheet will review the commercially produced food types of mushrooms available, nutrition and health benefits, and mushroom supplements. This guide does not discuss wild mushrooms.
Growing Connections: Danbury Food Collaborative Visits UConn Extension
In September, UConn Extension’s Community Nutrition Program hosted the Danbury Food Collaborative for its monthly meeting at the Bethel Extension Office. The collaborative brings together food pantries and community organizations from across the greater Danbury area, rotating meeting locations each month to strengthen partnerships and share resources. This month, 16 local food pantries and organizations […]
Buying Vegetable Seeds: Do’s and Don’ts
This goal of this fact sheet is to share practical strategies, helpful tips, and key do’s and don’ts to guide Connecticut vegetable growers in selecting seeds that best match their farms. Most of the information is related to disease management.
Ten Food Safety Resolutions for the Year Ahead
Throughout the year, many of us resolve to eat healthier, cook more at home, or reduce food waste, among other breaking/creating habits resolutions. While the new year often gets the most attention for resolutions, you can start any time. One resolution that often gets overlooked, but protects everyone, is food safety.
Pruning Brambles
Brambles are a diverse group of small, aggregate fruit-producing plants. The variety in color, flavor, and time of harvest make them highly appealing for both producers and consumers. However, these benefits are often accompanied by confusion over some of the differences in cultural management, specifically pruning. This fact sheet explores some of the key differences between various brambles, and how to properly prune each type.
Staying Active During and After Cancer: What You Need to Know
Cancer continues to be a major public health concern in the United States, with roughly two million new diagnoses every year, yet there are ways for those impacted to improve health outcomes and quality of life. Exercise is one of these strategies. This factsheet is intended for use by exercise professionals and those affected by cancer, including survivors and caretakers, to discuss safe, evidence-based and effective exercise recommendations for cancer survivors.
Keeping Your Farm Well: Bacterial Contamination
This factsheet explores how bacterial contamination in water can affect livestock health and productivity. It is the first in a three-part series outlining how bacteria, infrastructure, and agricultural runoff can potentially impact livestock health and productivity.
Keeping Your Farm Well: How Water Quality Can Impact Livestock
This fact sheet is an overview of an upcoming, three-part series outlining how bacteria, infrastructure, and agricultural runoff can potentially impact livestock health and productivity. Each fact sheet will include recommendations for addressing specific parameters. This overview is intended to help you identify potential causes of water-related issues on your farm. Be aware that many of the issues described here are uncommon and may only occur in rare cases.
Preparing Farm Operations for Extreme Fall and Winter Weather
Fall and winter weather events, such as frosts, freezes, and ice storms can create challenges for farm operations. Agricultural producers can prepare themselves and their farms for extreme fall and winter weather by taking actions to minimize losses. Agricultural producers have short-term, immediate responses for farm operations, in preparation for impending extreme weather events. This fact sheet focuses on preparation strategies for the fall and winter seasons.
How Urban Forestry Strengthens Our Communities – Voices for Change
Urban forestry is about more than planting trees—it’s about empowering people, improving neighborhoods, and creating long-term environmental and social benefits. In our new Voices for Change documentary, UConn Extension educator Mayra Rodriguez shares how communitydriven forestry initiatives help create healthier, more resilient urban spaces across Connecticut. Her story highlights the power of partnership, local leadership, […]
Bridging Science and Industry: Meet Sarah Bodenstein
Sarah Bodenstein joined UConn Extension a few months ago as the regional aquaculture liaison for Connecticut Sea Grant and NOAA’s Milford Lab. Though she has only been here a short time, Sarah has already begun connecting with Connecticut’s shellfish farmers and immersing herself in the traditions, history, and challenges of the aquaculture industry along Long Island Sound. Originally from Chicago, Sarah […]
Smart, Savvy, and Nourished: Eating Well on a Budget During Holiday Seasons
The holiday season is full of family meals, celebrations, and special treats, but is can also be a time when food costs rise, and healthy habits slip away. With a little creativity and planning, it’s possible to enjoy satisfying and nutritious meals without overspending. This fact sheet explores shopping strategies, which are the most nutrient-dense foods for the lowest cost, and include tips for finding the best food buys at the holidays.
From Fairways to Fields: Meet Maureen Kahiu
UConn Extension is thrilled to welcome Maureen Kahiu, who joined us in August 2025 as an Assistant Extension Educator of Turfgrass and Weed Ecology. In just a few months, Maureen has already started building connections across Connecticut’s turfgrass industry, helping professionals manage weeds and promote healthier, more resilient turf. Maureen grew up in Nairobi, Kenya, […]
Northeast Agricultural Networks Summit to Focus on Building Stronger Farmer Networks
UConn Extension is excited to announce the agenda for the upcoming 2025 Northeast Agricultural Networks Summit, a one-day mini-conference focused on the role entrepreneurial networks play in supporting farmers and agribusinesses, and strategies to foster network development across the region. The summit is Monday, December 8 in Portland, Maine. The morning will include two Spark […]
Building Healthy Soils: Meet Dr. Avishesh Neupane
UConn Extension is pleased to introduce Dr. Avishesh Neupane, who joined us in August 2025 as Assistant Extension Professor and Director of the UConn Plant & Soil Health Center. In just a few months, Dr. Neupane has been busy connecting with growers, developing new decision tools, and preparing for the launch of the George Leigh […]
Conducting Animal Health Checks: Beef Cattle
Health checks are the first line of defense against disease introduction at an animal event is a quality health check upon arrival, to confirm that animals are free of observable illnesses. There are a variety of contagious diseases that can easily spread amongst the animals commonly present at public events. Certifying the health of each animal involved in a public-facing event can protect the health of animals and people. This resource is designed for animal event organizers and superintendents to provide them with a thorough and step-by-step approach to conducting animal health checks for beef cattle and exhibitors to determine that an animal’s health may be suitable for its participation.
Conducting Animal Health Checks: Dairy Cattle
Health checks are the first line of defense against disease introduction at an animal event is a quality health check upon arrival, to confirm that animals are free of observable illnesses. There are a variety of contagious diseases that can easily spread amongst the animals commonly present at public events. Certifying the health of each animal involved in a public-facing event can protect the health of animals and people. This resource is designed for animal event organizers and superintendents to provide them with a thorough and step-by-step approach to conducting animal health checks for dairy cattle and exhibitors to determine that an animal’s health may be suitable for its participation.
Conducting Animal Health Checks: Poultry
Health checks are the first line of defense against disease introduction at an animal event is a quality health check upon arrival, to confirm that animals are free of observable illnesses. There are a variety of contagious diseases that can easily spread amongst the animals commonly present at public events. Certifying the health of each animal involved in a public-facing event can protect the health of animals and people. This resource is designed for animal event organizers and superintendents to provide them with a thorough and step-by-step approach to conducting animal health checks for poultry and exhibitors to determine that an animal’s health may be suitable for its participation.
Conducting Animal Health Checks: Equine (Horse)
Health checks are the first line of defense against disease introduction at an animal event is a quality health check upon arrival, to confirm that animals are free of observable illnesses. There are a variety of contagious diseases that can easily spread amongst the animals commonly present at public events. Certifying the health of each animal involved in a public-facing event can protect the health of animals and people. This resource is designed for animal event organizers and superintendents to provide them with a thorough and step-by-step approach to conducting animal health checks for horses and exhibitors to determine that an animal’s health may be suitable for its participation.
Conducting Animal Health Checks: Swine
Health checks are the first line of defense against disease introduction at an animal event is a quality health check upon arrival, to confirm that animals are free of observable illnesses. There are a variety of contagious diseases that can easily spread amongst the animals commonly present at public events. Certifying the health of each animal involved in a public-facing event can protect the health of animals and people. This resource is designed for animal event organizers and superintendents to provide them with a thorough and step-by-step approach to conducting animal health checks for swine and exhibitors to determine that an animal’s health may be suitable for its participation.
Conducting Animal Health Checks: Rabbits, Cavies, and Other Small Mammals
Health checks are the first line of defense against disease introduction at an animal event is a quality health check upon arrival, to confirm that animals are free of observable illnesses. There are a variety of contagious diseases that can easily spread amongst the animals commonly present at public events. Certifying the health of each animal involved in a public-facing event can protect the health of animals and people. This resource is designed for animal event organizers and superintendents to provide them with a thorough and step-by-step approach to conducting animal health checks for rabbits and other small mammals and exhibitors to determine that an animal’s health may be suitable for its participation.
Conducting Animal Health Checks: Sheep
Health checks are the first line of defense against disease introduction at an animal event is a quality health check upon arrival, to confirm that animals are free of observable illnesses. There are a variety of contagious diseases that can easily spread amongst the animals commonly present at public events. Certifying the health of each animal involved in a public-facing event can protect the health of animals and people. This resource is designed for animal event organizers and superintendents to provide them with a thorough and step-by-step approach to conducting animal health checks for sheep and exhibitors to determine that an animal’s health may be suitable for its participation.
One Health Day
Today is One Health Day and we recognize the importance of our interconnectedness. UConn Extension uses the One Health framework to optimize the collective health of humans, animals, plants, and the environment. Our program helps community members understand and co-create community-based solutions to modern One Health challenges, such as disease that impact humans and animals, […]
Conducting Animal Health Checks: Alpacas and Llamas (Camelids)
Health checks are the first line of defense against disease introduction at an animal event is a quality health check upon arrival, to confirm that animals are free of observable illnesses. There are a variety of contagious diseases that can easily spread amongst the animals commonly present at public events. Certifying the health of each animal involved in a public-facing event can protect the health of animals and people. This resource is designed for animal event organizers and superintendents to provide them with a thorough and step-by-step approach to conducting animal health checks for for llamas and alpacas (camelids) and exhibitors to determine that an animal’s health may be suitable for its participation.
Conducting Animal Health Checks: Goats
Health checks are the first line of defense against disease introduction at an animal event is a quality health check upon arrival, to confirm that animals are free of observable illnesses. There are a variety of contagious diseases that can easily spread amongst the animals commonly present at public events. Certifying the health of each animal involved in a public-facing event can protect the health of animals and people. This resource is designed for animal event organizers and superintendents to provide them with a thorough and step-by-step approach to conducting animal health checks for goats. and exhibitors to determine that an animal’s health may be suitable for its participation.
Conducting Animal Health Checks: Dogs
Health checks are the first line of defense against disease introduction at an animal event is a quality health check upon arrival, to confirm that animals are free of observable illnesses. There are a variety of contagious diseases that can easily spread amongst the animals commonly present at public events. Certifying the health of each animal involved in a public-facing event can protect the health of animals and people. This resource is designed for animal event organizers and superintendents to provide them with a thorough and step-by-step approach to conducting animal health checks for dogs, and exhibitors to determine that an animal’s health may be suitable for its participation.
Biosecurity Best Management Practices for Animal Exhibitors
Biosecurity is a set of procedures to reduce the spread of illness from disease-causing agents such as bacteria and viruses. Implementing biosecurity practices can increase the likelihood that animals, exhibitors, event personnel, and members of the public remain healthy and safe while engaging in agricultural events, and upon returning home. This fact sheet can be used by animal exhibitors to inform biosecurity decision-making before, during, and after an event.
Clean, Sanitize, and Disinfect: Safe and Effective Practices for Animal Exhibitions
A quality cleaning, sanitizing, and disinfecting procedure can help protect animal and human health at exhibitions and events. It is essential to understand the differences between cleaning, sanitizing, and disinfecting, why each step is important, and how they work together to create a safe environment. These guidelines can be used by animal event organizers, superintendents, exhibitors, and families to maintain a clean exhibition environment, and prevent disease transmission.