Assist New Milford in protecting and preserving our surviving farmlands

All posts in Events

>Home / All posts in Events
31
May

CT Visit Open House Day June 13

Categories: Events
Comments Off on CT Visit Open House Day June 13

CT Visit Open House Day June 13

PARTICIPATE IN CONNECTICUT OPEN HOUSE DAY – JUNE 13

Connecticut Open House Day, now in its 22nd year, is an annual event held on the second Saturday of June. This year the event will be held on Saturday, June 13, 2026.

The purpose of this event is to inspire Connecticut residents to learn about all the experiences in their own backyard, anticipating that this will convert them into ambassadors who will recommend these experiences to other visitors. The state heavily promotes this event and typically enjoys significant press coverage each year.

What requirements are there for eligibility to participate in Connecticut Open House Day?
  • The business must be located in Connecticut. Any performing and visual arts need to be based in Connecticut.
  • The purpose of the experience offered is to enhance awareness and interest in the state’s tourism assets.
  • The experience enhances and supports the image of Connecticut as defined in the Connecticut Office of Tourism.
How does a business participate in the 2026 Connecticut Open House Day?

It’s free and easy to be a part of this popular event. All you need to do is:

1. If you wish to participate, determine what you would like to offer. You must offer an incentive in order to participate. For example:

  • Free or reduced admission all day.
  • Free or reduced admission for four hours.
  • Free or reduced admission for the first 25 visitors.
  • A free item with paid admission.

2. Register as a participant in the event and submit a description and photo here .

ContactFor additional information or questions, please contact CTvisit.WebEditor@ct.gov.

Please note: There will be a Connecticut Open House digital marketing kit available this year .

25
Apr

National Farmers Union Beginning Farmers Institute Applications Application Deadline July 1

Categories: Events
Comments Off on National Farmers Union Beginning Farmers Institute Applications Application Deadline July 1

National Farmers Union Beginning Farmers Institute Applications Application Deadline July 1

Beginning Farmer Institute
Applications for NFU’s Beginning Farmer Institute (BFI) are OPEN! Application deadline is July 1.
National Farmers Union Beginning Farmer Institute (BFI) is a free, online, 10-week intensive program intended to improve the health of your farm or ranch business. The program is open to producers ages 18 and up and is inclusive of all operation types and scales of production.
A team of Farmers Union staff and leadership will review each application. All application content will be kept confidential. You will be notified of your admission status no later than Tuesday, September 1, 2026. Acceptance is conditional upon your submission to – and NFU review of – a background check, to ensure the safety of participants during the program’s in-person session.
Each cohort is selected through a competitive application process. If accepted, you will attend online seminars, network with peers, pursue independent learning activities, and receive one-on-one technical assistance. Participants who complete all the necessary requirements will be considered for an additional in-person session, which will include additional trainings, farm tours, and networking with Farmers Union leadership.
The program is structured around The Resilerator™, a program of California FarmLink. The Resilerator ™ includes weekly online trainings led by experts in business management over the course of 10 weeks from October to December. Participants will be expected to watch 30-60 minutes of video trainings each week, followed by participation in weekly, 2-hour question and answer sessions with Resilerator (™) instructors.
Application Process
Each applicant must submit an application (online or print), a current, one-page resume, one reference letter in support of your candidacy for NFU’s Beginning Farmer Institute, and a 2-3 page essay (typed, double-spaced) describing: your current farm or ranch operation, how you envision your operation in five years, and how participating in BFI will help you achieve this.
Apply here:
25
Apr

American Farmland Trust Free Webinar April 30: Protected Land, Real Progress: Engineering for Land Trusts & Nonprofits

Categories: Events
Comments Off on American Farmland Trust Free Webinar April 30: Protected Land, Real Progress: Engineering for Land Trusts & Nonprofits

American Farmland Trust Free Webinar April 30: Protected Land, Real Progress: Engineering for Land Trusts & Nonprofits

Webinar Thursday April 30, 2026 · 12:00 PM
Engineering for Land Trusts & Nonprofits
Does your farm or organization have infrastructure projects stuck in the planning phase? Need help navigating NRCS funding or finding an engineer who understands farming from the ground up?
Prosperity Partners — the fee-for-service arm of American Farmland Trust — is expanding its agricultural engineering services in the Northeast, and we’re hosting a free three-part webinar series to show you what’s possible. Each session is designed for a specific audience. Sign up for the ones that fit your farm or share with your network of farmers and landowners who might benefit!
Protected Land, Real Progress: Engineering for Land Trusts & Nonprofits
Thursday April 30, 2026 · 12:00 PM Eastern
For: Land trusts and nonprofit organizations in the Northeast
Does your organization work with farmers on protected land who need technical or engineering support? Prosperity Partners is expanding its services to support land trusts and nonprofits — helping move conservation and infrastructure projects forward and connecting farmers with the expertise and funding they need. If you’re looking for a trusted engineering partner that understands the intersection of conservation and farm viability, this webinar is for you.
All webinars are free and open to anyone in the Northeast working in farming, conservation, or farm support. Feel free to share these links widely — the more farmers and partners who attend, the more projects we can help move forward.
Learn more about Prosperity Partners: farmland.org/partners
25
Apr

Solid Ground 2026 Summer Skill Share Series- First one April 29 Cheshire: Farmland Seeking Skill Share

Categories: Events
Comments Off on Solid Ground 2026 Summer Skill Share Series- First one April 29 Cheshire: Farmland Seeking Skill Share

Solid Ground 2026 Summer Skill Share Series- First one April 29 Cheshire: Farmland Seeking Skill Share $15

Farmland Seeking Skill Share

April 29, 4PM – 6:30PM

Ives Farm, Cheshire

Click here to register.

The Farmland Seeking Skill Share is a for land seekers to convene with service providers as they demonstrate and talk through the key components of land searches and evaluations. Join Kip Kolesinskas, Solid Ground’s Professional Soil, Conservation, and Land Use Consultant, for a farm tour demonstrating how to go about assessing farmland using key areas of interest such as property history, infrastructure, water features, and soil health.

The event will include a walk of the property, overview of farmland considerations, role playing of lessor/lessee conversations, introductions to service providers, and connecting folks with resources relevant to their land search. Be sure to wear appropriate clothing and shoes. Cost to attend is $15. Dinner will be provided. Please contact us if cost is prohibitive and we will work with you to make this affordable.

If you have any questions about this event series, you can contact nicole.davidow@uconn.edu.

25
Apr

Healing by Growing Farms Free Conference May 6, Waterford CT

Categories: Events
Comments Off on Healing by Growing Farms Free Conference May 6, Waterford CT

Healing by Growing Farms Free Conference May 6, Waterford CT

Invest in your future at the 4th Annual National Healing By Growing™ Farms Conference—a completely free professional development event for farmers and growers of ALL abilities. With over 12 specialized sessions across our four tracks—Farmer Tools, Farmer Health, Future Stewards, and Community & Faith—you will gain high-level skills and new knowledge to take back to your operation.

From technical sessions on Land Access, Greenhouse Basics, and Certification Programs to learning how to increase revenue through E-commerce and managing a Migrant Workforce, this conference delivers the practical tools you need to succeed. You will also participate in sessions dedicated to Self-Wellness, Self Regulation during Farmer stress days, Safe Movement, and Farmer Vision Health, ensuring you have the mental and physical resilience to sustain your work.

Don’t miss this day of learning; the skills you gain here are worth the time away from the farm. Secure your free spot today by registering with the QR code below. For more details please visit our conference website at healingbygrowing.com.

Conference Details

  • Date: Wednesday, May 6, 2026
  • Time: Registration at 7:00am | Event: 8:00am – 4:00pm
  • Location: Camp Harkness, 301 Great Neck Road, Waterford, CT 06385
  • Cost: 100% FREE (Includes breakfast and lunch)

 

25
Apr

Connecticut Sheep, Wool and Fiber Festival April 25 in North Haven

Categories: Events
Comments Off on Connecticut Sheep, Wool and Fiber Festival April 25 in North Haven

Connecticut Sheep, Wool and Fiber Festival April 25 in North Haven

The Connecticut Sheep Breeders Association, Inc. is thrilled to announce the return of the Connecticut Sheep, Wool & Fiber Festival on Saturday, April 25, 2026, at the North Haven Fairgrounds, 290 Washington Avenue, North Haven, CT. This beloved annual event celebrates the rich heritage of sheep farming and fiber arts in Connecticut and across New England.

Festival Highlights:

  • Date & Time: Saturday, April 25, 2026, from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM
  • Admission: $10 per person; children under 12 free; parking is free
  • Family-Friendly Activities:
  • Sheep shearing demonstrations
  • Wool preparation and quality workshops
  • Sheep dog herding demonstrations
  • Fiber arts demonstrations
  • Care and maintenance of your spinning wheel
  • Youth educational programs featuring fiber crafts
  • Vendor Marketplace: Explore a vibrant marketplace featuring local artisans, hand-dyed yarns, spinning wheels, looms, and unique fiber products.
  • Fleece Show & Sale: Pre-registered fleeces will be showcased and available for purchase in Barn 10.
The festival, which began in 1909, has grown into a premier event for shepherds, fiber enthusiasts, and the general public. It offers a unique opportunity to learn about sustainable fiber practices, meet local producers, and celebrate the artistry of wool and fiber crafts. Join in the celebration of the 117th annual festival!
Important Notes:
  • No pets allowed for the safety of animals and visitors.
  • See you there rain or shine – and we’re looking forward to shine!
For more information, visit ctsheep.com or email secretary@ctsheep.com.
Older Entries
News & Updates
 
Assist New Milford in protecting and preserving our surviving farmlands