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31
Jan

Ag Day at the Capitol Registration Open for March 18, 2026

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CT Ag Info Council Opens Ag Day at the Capitol Registration

The CT Ag Info Council (CAIC) announced that Ag Day at the Capitol is confirmed for Wednesday, March 18, 2026, from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. (snow date: Thursday, March 19). Registration is now open. Eligible organizations, including ag associations, cooperatives, non-profits, federal and state ag agencies, and Connecticut municipalities are encouraged to fill out the exhibitor application form early to reserve their spot.

Registration is $75 and includes one 6’ space with a 6’ table. Space is limited. Online registration must be completed by Friday, February 27, 2026.

Register here.
15
Jan

Connecticut Soil Health Symposium Feb. 10, Meriden (register by 2/3/26)

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Connecticut Soil Health Symposium Feb. 10, Meriden 

American Farmland Trust and Connecticut Resource Conservation & Development Area (CT RC&D) invite you to participate in a farmer-to-farmer Soil Health Symposium to learn and share about innovative soil health practices on livestock and vegetable farms.

The program will feature concurrent farmer-led workshop tracks and roundtable sessions for livestock and vegetable farmers, exploring innovative and effective practices for accelerating soil health gains. Featured speaker Chuck Currie of Freedom Food Farm (Raynham, MA) will share his approach to growing produce, grains, eggs, pasture-raised meat using holistic and regenerative practices.

Vegetable, Flowers & Specialty Crops Track topics will include: cover crop successions for residue building and weed management, multispecies cover crop mixes, using cover crops for living mulches, no- and low-till cover crop termination methods, and farm-hacked equipment for planting into living mulch systems.

Livestock Track topics will include: high and low tech hacks for facilitating prescribed grazing on the farm, grazing in silvopasture systems, using bale grazing to support soil health and prescribed grazing goals, and planning and implementing a successful pasture reseeding.

Click here to RSVP.  by 2/3/26. Lunch is provided. This event is free for farmers. We ask that service providers pay $25 to cover the cost of lunch.

Questions? Please email Caro at croszell@farmland.org

15
Jan

UConn Extension Solid Ground Mechanics Courses (Several Dates Jan-March)

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UConn Extension Solid Ground Mechanics Courses (Several Dates Jan-March)

Solid Ground’s Ag Mechanics classes are open for registration. Class dates, topics, and signup links are below. All classes are $25 unless otherwise marked.
Tool Sharpening I
Learn how to properly maintain and sharpen your hand tools. Bring in your hand tools: Clippers, hand hoes, harvest knives, shovels, scuffle hoes, and more! You will learn the basic concepts of sharpening and how to properly sharpen “light” tools such as pruners to “heavy” tools such as shovels. We will provide files to work with and go over regular care to get the most out of your tools. (lunch will be provided)
Date: January 31
Time: 9:30-12:30
Location: Rockville High School
Sign Up Here: secure.touchnet.com/C21646_ustores/web/product_detail.jsp?PRODUCTID=6612
Tool Sharpening II
Join us for this next level tool sharpening training. This class will focus on introducing you to using power tools, such as a bench grinder, to sharpen heavy tools AND serve as a chance for you to bring your own tools that have been a challenge to sharpen. Together we will workshop these challenges so you can leave with a properly sharpened tool! We recommend attending this course if you already have some knowledge of tool sharpening, or if you took our Tool Sharpening I training, since we will dive right into the hands-on training. (lunch will be provided)
Date: February 21
Time: 9:30-12:30
Location: Rockville High School
Sign Up Here: secure.touchnet.com/C21646_ustores/web/product_detail.jsp?PRODUCTID=6615
Small Engine I
Learn the basics of troubleshooting and how repair the small engines you use on your farm! This is a course for beginners, going over how small engines work and basic maintenance. We cover both 2 stroke and 4 stroke gas engines. This classis a prerequisite to our 2 stroke and 4 stroke small engine repair courses. Food will be provided.
Date: February 25
Time: 4:30pm-7:30pm
Location: Middletown High School
Sign Up Here: secure.touchnet.com/C21646_ustores/web/product_detail.jsp?PRODUCTID=6616
Small Engine II (4 Stroke)
Gain hands-on experience working on 4-stroke engines; string trimmers, walk behind tillers, log splitters and more. Bring your own engines and we can troubleshoot any problems you’ve been having or walk through how to take the engine apart and maintain your machine. We recommend attending this course if you already have some knowledge of how engines work, or if you took our Small Gas Engine Basics Course, since we will dive right into the hands-on training.  (Dinner will be provided)
Date: March 11
Time: 4:30pm-7:30pm
Location: Middletown High School
Sign Up Here: secure.touchnet.com/C21646_ustores/web/product_detail.jsp?PRODUCTID=6617
Women’s Chainsaw
Intro to safe chainsaw operation. Students will learn about PPE, work area safety, basic saw maintenance, chain sharpening, and how to develop a felling plan. Each student will have a chance to fell their own tree. You may bring your own saw or use one that will be provided by the instructor. (Lunch will be provided)
Date: March 21
Time: 9:30-3:30
Location: UConn Forest
Sign Up Here: secure.touchnet.com/C21646_ustores/web/product_detail.jsp?PRODUCTID=6620
Small Engine II (2 Stroke)
Gain hands-on experience taking apart a 2-stroke engine; chainsaws, lawn mowers, pumps and more. Learn how to diagnose some of the common problems you may encounter. Bring your own machines and we can troubleshoot any problems you’ve been having or show you how to take the engine apart. We recommend attending this course if you already have some knowledge of how engines work, or if you took our Small Gas Engine Basics Course, since we will dive right into the hands-on training. (Dinner will be provided)
Date: March 25
Time: 4:30pm-7:30pm
Location: Middletown High School
Sign Up Here: secure.touchnet.com/C21646_ustores/web/product_detail.jsp?PRODUCTID=6619
15
Jan

Women Farmers Aging Strong Online Series Led by Women Farmers

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Women Farmers Aging Strong Online Series Led by Women Farmers

 

WOMEN FARMERS AGING STRONG: AN ONLINE SERIES, LED BY WOMEN FARMERS

​Join us for Aging Strong— a special women-led online series for information, support and resource sharing to help us preserve and protect our most important farming tool…ourselves.

​Topics covered include:

  • Improving balance — both body and farm life
  • Eating enough protein, fiber & healthy fats
  • Managing stress
  • Rest & recover
  • Continuing to farm as we age

Two separate programs are open for registration — both online and free to attend. Sign up for one or better yet, both!  They are designed to work together.
All women farmers are welcome to attend, wherever you are on your agricultural journey.

Are you a woman farmer (or hope to be) who wants to physically keep your business running in a healthy manner for a long time?

Aging Strong Learning Circle (Virtual)
Twice a month from November through early March, we will gather online and cover a different theme and topic, including both mental and physical health topics along with a new targeted movement exercise. Space is limited.

Aging Strong Body Mechanics Retreat (Virtual)
Join a three-consecutive-day intensive (90 minutes each day) that goes into detail on healthy ergonomics for women farmers. Sessions include learning targeted exercises we will all experiment with together. Bring your yoga mat! Space is limited.​

Retreat offered for separate sessions. Sign up for which one works for your schedule (same content at each):

Tues. Jan. 20, Wed. Jan. 21, Thurs. Jan. 22, 2026

Tues. Feb. 3, Wed. Feb. 4, Thurs. Feb. 5, 2026
15
Jan

2026 CT NOFA’s Annual Winter Conference Middletown, CT March 7, plus virtual March 3-5

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2026 CT NOFA’s Annual Winter Conference Middletown, CT March 7, plus virtual workshops March 3-5

CT NOFA 2026 WINTER CONFERENCE

CT NOFA, the Organic Farming Association of Connecticut, is excited to announce that our 44th annual Winter Conference will be taking place March 7, 2026, at Wesleyan University in Middletown, Connecticut. It will be proceeded by 3 days of virtual workshops, March 3-5. Tickets are available now!

CT NOFA is currently looking for sponsors, exhibitors, and workshop proposals. Visit our website to learn more and register to join us.

Sponsors

The organic agriculture movement may not be a new phenomenon, but it is a vital one, helping us preserve and regenerate healthy, living soil to grow our food in, and protecting the web of diverse life in and around farms that are crucial to long term agricultural sustainability. More now than ever, the educational, informational, and community resources provided by the CT NOFA Winter Conference are essential to protecting and expanding organic agriculture in our state.

Help support that movement by becoming a sponsor of our 2026 Winter Conference. In addition to helping us continue defend and expand the reach of organic agriculture, you’ll enjoy numerous benefits leading up to and at the conference. Click here to learn more about becoming a 2026 CT NOFA Winter Conference sponsor.

Exhibitors

Does your business or organization offer products or services that would be of interest to our conference attendees? Then join us at CT NOFA’s 44th annual Winter Conference on March 7, 2026 to connect with 300+ farmers, home gardeners, and organic advocates from across the region.

Agricultural industry suppliers, education and resource providing organizations, environmental conservation groups, and others are invited to register for an exhibitor table. Click here to learn more about becoming a 2026 CT NOFA Winter Conference exhibitor.

Workshop Proposals

The CT NOFA Winter Conference educational slate of workshops is made possible thanks to the interest and enthusiasm of our knowledgeable community members. Are you an expert on a topic that would be of interest to conference attendees? We’d love to hear from you.

Workshop slots are available for our in-person conference on March 7, 2026, as well as the conference’s virtual workshop series from March 3-5. Presenters are provided with free admission to the conference, as well as a $150 honorarium.

We welcome all submissions for workshops that capture CT NOFA’s mission of fostering organic and regenerative agriculture. Click here to learn more about submitting a workshop proposal for the 2026 CT NOFA Winter Conference.
Learn more about the conference. 
15
Jan

Berkshire Agricultural Ventures Zoom Virtual Workshop on selling at Farm Markets Jan. 28

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Berkshire Agricultural Ventures Zoom Virtual Workshop on selling at Farm Markets Jan. 28

MARKETING TIPS FOR SELLING AT A FARMERS’ MARKET
Berkshire Agricultural Ventures is excited to invite you to a free virtual workshop designed to help farmers and market managers boost sales, strengthen customer engagement, and make the most of their farmers market presence.

📅 Date: January 28, 2026
⏰ Time: 1:00–2:30pm
📍 Location: Zoom
🔗 Register here: https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/l5SYdGd0T0iNGqwJJceMHg

Workshop: Marketing Tips for Selling at a Farmers’ Market
Presenter Zoe Richardson, Creative Director at Good Roots, will walk participants through the most essential marketing assets every farmers’ market booth should have. Using real-world farm experience and years of branding and marketing expertise, Zoe will help you elevate your visibility, attract new customers, and communicate your story clearly and effectively.

You’ll learn:

  • What signage you actually need—and how big it should be
  • What messages resonate most with customers
  • Where to get signage printed
  • Best practices for using QR codes
  • How to encourage customers to stay in touch
  • Design basics for creating appealing, effective materials
About the Presenter
Zoe is a branding and marketing expert dedicated to helping farmers increase sales, build loyal customer bases, and strengthen their farm businesses. At Good Roots, she supports farms and food entrepreneurs in telling their stories and building beautiful, effective brands.

This workshop is free and open to all farmers, market managers, and service providers
Register
15
Jan

UConn Extension Online Vegetable Production Course- Register by Jan. 20

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UConn Extension Online Vegetable Production Course- Register by Jan. 20

2026 VEGETABLE PRODUCTION CERTIFICATE COURSE
Back by popular demand: UConn Extension’s Vegetable Production Certificate Course for farmers with 0-3 years of experience. Build foundational knowledge and practical skills as it relates to growing health food, building a farm business, and becoming part of Connecticut’s local food system.

Participants will also have access to:

  • Technical assistance from UConn Extension staff
  • Access to resources and tools to support your learning
  • A network overview of CT agriculture

Details:

  • Fully online course, making it easy to learn from anywhere and at your own pace.
  • The course will open in late January 2026, and certificates will be available for all students that complete the course by April 2026.
  • Industry professionals and experienced farmers facilitate learning.
  • Course cost: $149
  • Registration will close Tuesday, January 20th, 2026.
Group registration is available. To enroll multiple students, or with any questions on this course, please contact Nicole.Davidow@uconn.edu
Click here for more info or to register.
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