It’s easy to take our food supply for granted while strolling through the abundant aisles of a grocery store. We do not often consider how our food gets to the store or where it comes from. A group of students in UConn’s College of Agriculture, Health and Natural Resources (CAHNR) is bridging the communication gap […]
Agriculture & Farming
Ensuring a vibrant and sustainable agricultural industry and food supply
The Low Down on Selecting Tomatoes
Vegetable gardening is very popular these days, and even more so since the COVID outbreak. Anyone new to this hobby is quick to hear some terms being thrown around when describing different types of vegetables. Knowing the meaning of these terms gives prospective gardeners some key information that helps them pick varieties of vegetables most […]
Pick-Your-Own Revisited
Last year we held a virtual discussion on how to deal with Pick-your-own in the age of COVID. This year we will revisit this topic with several growers sharing what they did that worked, maybe didn’t work as well as expected or at all, will keep this year, or will drop because it may not […]
4-H Members Share Project at National Agriscience Summit
UConn 4-H Litchfield County was one of seven 4-H groups in the country to be selected to create and submit a five to seven minute video to be made available to participants at the 2021 National 4-H Agriscience Summit held earlier this month. The video highlights the county’s Community Action Plan entitled Operation Community Impact, […]
Amid pandemic challenges, recreational shellfishing thrived
By Judy Benson While the pandemic curtailed many favorite activities, recreational shellfishing remained popular and even surged in many shoreline towns last year. “Clamming is a very COVID-friendly activity,” said Peter Harris, chairman of the Waterford-East Lyme Shellfish Commission. “You’re outside, you have a nice long rake so you stay socially distanced, and you get […]
Extension Impacts – 2020
Extension is a part of UConn’s College of Agriculture, Health, and Natural Resources (CAHNR). We have over 100 years of experience strengthening communities in Connecticut and beyond. Extension programs cover the full spectrum of topics aligned with CAHNR’s strategic initiatives: Ensuring a vibrant and sustainable agricultural industry and food supply Enhancing health and well-being locally, […]
The Gluten Free Diet. Is it for Me?
Written by Sharon Gray, MPH, RD, CD-N El artículo también está disponible en Español. Haga clic aquí para ver. Gluten free labeling is on many foods in the grocery store and following the gluten free diet is popular. It is estimated that over 30% of the North American population has embraced a gluten-free lifestyle. But […]
La Dieta Sin Gluten. ¿Es para mí?
Artículo por Sherry Gray, MPH, RD, CD-N Article also available in English. Click here to view. La etiqueta alimentaria sin gluten está en muchos alimentos en la tienda de comestibles y es popular seguir una dieta sin gluten. Se estima que más del 30% de la población de América del Norte ha adoptado un estilo […]
What is Extension – New Video Released
UConn Extension connects thousands of people across Connecticut and beyond each year, with the research and resources of the University of Connecticut’s College of Agriculture, Health and Natural Resources. We are comprised of more than 100 educators and a vast network of volunteers. UConn Extension works collaboratively to build more resilient communities through educational initiatives […]
Farm Flavor Magazine Features Extension Programs
In the early days of the coronavirus pandemic, farmers urgently needed access to the newest information on government compliance, health protocols, federal aid and more. UConn Extension put together its own website for COVID-19-related information for both farmers and consumers on production, distribution and processing. UConn Extension also responded by organizing an initiative that enlisted […]
UConn 4-H & EFNEP: Positioning All Youth for Success
“Talent is everywhere, Opportunity is not.” UConn 4-H UConn EFNEP
Local 4-H Families Deliver More Milk to Families in Need
Our UConn 4-H Litchfield County and UConn 4-H New London County programs continued their grassroots efforts to help local families in need this week. This effort builds upon several dairy donations that have gone to food pantries statewide over the past few months since the pandemic started back in March. Over 144,000 pounds of dairy […]
Finding the Right Livestock Fence with Dr. Joe Emenheiser
Fences are built to keep some animals in, and other animals out! For centuries they have allowed us to domesticate livestock and build permanent settlements. UConn’s new Statewide Livestock Extension Educator, Dr. Joe Emenheiser discusses how you can find the right fence for your animals and what to consider when planning for fencing! Learn more […]
Food Safety Tips For Your Holiday Turkey
The holidays are a time to enjoy your family and friends— Avoid putting a damper on the holiday fun because of unsafe food handling and cooking practices. Follow these tips to play it safe this holiday season: http://bit.ly/Turkey_FoodSafety. Los días festivos son días para disfrutar en familia y con amistades— Evite poner un amortiguador a la […]
Extension Team Developing Game to Help Consumers Understand Food Labels
The Extension Foundation selected a team from UConn Extension in the College of Agriculture, Health and Natural Resources for the New Technologies in Agricultural Extension catalyst program. Team members are working with wrap-around services from eXtension to develop an interactive learning experience for consumers on navigating food labels in grocery store aisles. Conflicting information causes […]
Extension Program Receives USDA-NIFA Grant to Help Beginning Farmers Prosper
Beginning farmers in Connecticut are changing the face of agriculture. With their values driven, sustainable-minded farming practices, they are filling the direct-to-consumer marketplace with high quality food grown intensively on small parcels. Since 2012, UConn Extension, part of the College of Agriculture, Health and Natural Resources, and its partners have responded to the growing number […]
2020 Herb of the Year
RUBUS (Brambles) 2020 Herb of the Year Red Raspberry, Black Raspberry, Blackberry & Wineberry Article by Dana Weinberg, UConn Extension Advanced Master Gardener Since 1991, the International Herb Society has chosen an Herb of the Year. This year’s choice is the genus Rubus. The name comes from the Latin word ‘ruber’ meaning red. Indigenous to […]
Valley View Farm is Connecticut Dairy Farm of the Year
New England Green Pastures Connecticut Dairy Farm of the Year 2020 It is indeed a pleasure to announce that Ben and Tim Learned, owners of Valley View Farm, in North Stonington are the 2020 Outstanding Connecticut Dairy Farmers of the Year for the New England Green Pastures Award Program. Ben and Tim have accomplished the […]
Fairfield County 4-H Grows True Leaders: Youth Garden Club Serves the Community
Throughout the summer, 20 youth in the 4-H Community Garden Club have managed a one-acre garden in New Milford. They were led by leaders Anna Loor and her daughter Amira. Each youth worked eight hours every week at the garden and during 4-H time, learned the principles of seeding, planting, weeding, harvesting and garden pests. Critical thinking […]
Wrapping Hay Bales with Zach Duda
Zach Duda, a UConn Extension summer intern with Litchfield County 4-H shows us the hay bale wrapping process.
Meet Alyssa Benoit: Sustainable Food Systems Intern
Hi! My name is Alyssa Benoit and I am interning with Sustainable Food Systems Educator Jiff Martin through UConn CAHNR Extension. I am a rising senior at UConn majoring in Allied Health Sciences, and in the Fast-Track program for a Master’s in Public Administration (MPA) through the Department of Public Policy. I help with communications on […]
Salmonella Testing – Connecticut Veterinary Medical Diagnostic Laboratory
Salmonella infection (salmonellosis) is a common bacterial disease that targets the intestinal tract of humans and animals as well. Salmonella bacteria typically live in the intestines and are shed to the environment through feces. Backyard poultry and wild birds are susceptible to Salmonella species. They also can carry and transmit Salmonella bacteria even if they […]
Food Safety with Megan Davenport
Megan Davenport, a UConn Extension summer intern with Hartford County 4-H teaches us about food safety and why it’s important for you and your family. Learn about the four guidelines to food safety, date labels, and much more.
Meet Klaudia Sowizral: Sustainable Turf and Landscaping Intern
Hi everyone! My name is Klaudia Sowizral and I’m the Sustainable Turf and Landscaping intern. I’m a rising junior here at UConn pursuing a double major in Environmental Science with a concentration in Sustainable Systems, as well as a major in Sustainable Plant and Soil Science, and a minor in creative writing. My interests include […]
Meet Erin Korowotny: New Haven County 4-H Intern
Hello everyone! My name is Erin Korowotny and I am very excited to be the intern for New Haven County 4-H this summer! I am a rising senior in UConn CAHNR, studying Agriculture and Natural Resources. Currently, I serve as the Treasurer of the UConn Agriculture Advocacy Club. After graduation, I hope to pursue a […]
Baking 5 Ingredient Bagels with UConn EFNEP
UConn Extension Expanded Food and Nutrition Education Program cooks! Learn to make this easy, fast, and only 5 ingredient bagel! YUM!
Virtual Story Series: Blueberries for Sal – Read by Zach Duda
Zach Duda, one of our UConn Extension interns with the Litchfield County 4-H program reads Blueberries for Sal in a virtual story series. Youth can learn all about blueberries, how to pick them, and what we can use them for.
There is Still Time to Garden
August is just around the corner, and somehow you never got your vegetable garden started. Perhaps you had a wonderful early-season harvest but didn’t plant any later-season crops. The garden bed is just sitting there, empty except for weeds. Don’t think the garden season is over! There are plenty of short-season crops and cold-tolerant veggies […]
Meet Ryan Morais: Vegetable Entomology Intern
I am a Senior undergrad environmental engineering major and ecology and evolutionary biology minor with a passion for entomology. This summer I will be working as a vegetable entomology intern through UConn’s Extension Internship Program. I work closely with Professor Legrand to develop an informational entomology website and outreach educational materials. Other than web development, […]
Meet Autumn Blasi: UConn EFNEP Intern
Hi! My name is Autumn Blasi, and I’m one of the summer interns with UConn CAHNR Extension. I’m currently working in clinical and community nutrition with organizations like the Expanded Food and Nutrition Education Program (EFNEP), and the Human Resource Agencies (HRA) of Bristol and New Britain. At UConn, I major in Nutritional Sciences, with […]
Dairy Handling and Restraint with Megan Davenport
Megan Davenport, a UConn Extension summer intern with Hartford County 4-H, teaches us about dairy cattle handling and restraint.
CVMDL Identifies Asian Longhorned Tick Submitted from NY
The Connecticut Veterinary Medical Diagnostic Laboratory (CVMDL) at UConn is reporting the identification of the Asian longhorned tick. This is the first time that CVMDL has identified this tick species. The ticks were submitted to CVMDL for identification and testing from the State of New York. Our laboratory notified New York State Animal and Public Health […]
Meet Megan Davenport: Hartford County 4-H Intern
Hi everyone! My name is Megan Davenport and I am Hartford County’s 4-H Intern this summer! I am currently a junior at UConn in Storrs, CT and am double majoring in Animal Science (ANSC) and Agriculture and Natural Resources (AGNR) and minoring in Agriculture Outreach and Learning. At UConn, I am heavily involved in the […]
The Hay Making Process with Zach Duda
Zach Duda, a UConn CAHNR student and a summer intern with Extension’s Litchfield County 4-H program walks us through the haymaking process. We often see cattle, horses, sheep, and goats consuming hay, but if you ever wondered how it was made, Zach has the answers for you.
Meet Sara Tomis: New London County 4- H Intern
Greetings! My name is Sara Tomis and I am working as an intern for the New London County 4-H Office. I am majoring in Agriculture and Natural Resources (AGNR) at the University of Connecticut, and I intend to pursue a Master’s Degree in Agricultural Education upon the completion of my undergraduate degree. I aspire to […]
Food Preservation Resources
Planning on Canning? Freezing Food in Your Future? Check out this Food Preservation Resource list for all the accurate information you will need to can, freeze or dry the garden bounty: Food Preservation Links and Resources 10 Rules for Safe Canning
Environmental Conditions Online
Your One Stop Shop for Maps and Geographic Information cteco.uconn.edu Technology has expanded the mapping world. No longer are maps static and flat. They are now interactive, zoom able and clickable. They allow focus on a location or a question and enable us to explore our backyard, town, state and world. The Connecticut Environmental Conditions […]
Meet Nikki Santillo: New Haven County Farmer’s Market Intern
Hello, my name is Nikki Santillo. I am interning with the New Haven County farmer’s market. I am a rising junior majoring in Nutritional Sciences with a minor in Food Science. In the fall semester, I was able to connect with an after school program the nutrition club supported. I helped inform the children about […]
Meet Carl Johnson: Plant Diagnostic & Horticulture Intern
Hello! My name is Carl Johnson I am the Plant diagnostic & Horticulture intern at the UConn Plant Diagnostic Lab. I am a graduate of the Ratcliffe Hicks plant science program(RHSA) and am going into my senior year as a Sustainable Plant and Soil Systems (SPSS) major. Before enrolling in UConn I worked as a […]
High-Value Greenhouse Production
High technology greenhouses across Connecticut provide cover for many types of plants. Bedding plants, edibles (vegetable and herb transplants, greenhouse vegetables grown for production), ornamental herbaceous perennials, hemp and poinsettias all grow in greenhouses. UConn Extension supports the Connecticut greenhouse industry with information and educational programming on sustainable production methods. In Connecticut, the greenhouse industry […]