Events | NMFFPC

Jul

Solid Ground, a Program of UConn Extension, offers Land Evaluation and Farmland Access, Vernon CT

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Solid Ground, a Program of UConn Extension, offers Land Evaluation and Farmland Access, Vernon CT

Date: Sunday, September 8th
Time: 10am-2pm
Location: Gunther Farm, 24 Hyde Ave. Vernon, CT

Date: Sunday, September 15th
Time: 10am-3pm
Location: Off Center Farm, 48 Center Rd. Woodbridge, CT and Beets and Blooms Farm, 6 Oakum Dock Rd, Cobalt, CT

Description of Skill Share: For folks that are still looking for land, whether to lease or purchase. Learn how to evaluate potential properties for agricultural use. Explore three different properties with Solid Ground soil, conservation, and land use consultant Kip Kolesinskas. We will evaluate the major soil properties to consider for different types of agriculture, evaluate the location and condition of existing infrastructure, including potential water sources, impact of wetlands, neighbors and wildlife, land restoration, topography, and local microclimates. Learn how to use the Web Soil Survey and other Connecticut and municipal maps as tools in the process, and where to find information on a property’s history, town zoning ag restrictions, setbacks, and more.

Jul

Solid Ground, A Program of UConn Extension Offers Hemp for Fiber Production Griswold, CT

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Solid Ground, A Program of UConn Extension Offers Hemp for Fiber Production Griswold, CT

Hemp for Fiber Production

3 Meet Ups at Connecticut Agricultural Experiment Station, Griswold Research Center
190 Sheldon Road, Griswold, CT, 06351

Date: Saturday August 31
Time: 10am-12pm

Date: Saturday, September 30
Time: 10am-12pm

Description of Skill Share: Go through a season of growing hemp with this skill share as you meet up multiple times during the growing season to observe and discuss the processes of seeding, harvesting, and processing hemp for fiber production. If you are looking to add this into your growing operation as a product, or if you already grow it, but haven’t grown it with hemp fiber mind, this is the skill share for you.

Jul

Aug 23: Solid Ground, a Program of UConn Extension Offers Poultry Processing Skills Share Vernon, CT

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Aug 23: Solid Ground, a Program of UConn Extension Offers Poultry Processing Skills Share Vernon, CT

UPCOMING SKILL SHARES

Poultry Processing Skill ShareDate: Friday, August 23rd
Time:11am-1pm
Location: Tolland Ag Center, 24 Hyde Ave. Vernon, CT

Description of Skill Share: Join a group of farmers as we visit two farm operations that are processing poultry in-house for their customer base, and a session with UConn Extension’s Food Safety Educator to understand what is entailed in processing poultry on your farm. We will cover regulations, infrastructure and equipment needed, different processing systems, and address common questions like “when does it become worth it to process on farm rather then send it to a facility?”
Please Note: This skill share is catering toward those who want to poultry processing as a business enterprise. If you aren’t seriously interested in poultry processing as a business enterprise, please do not sign up.

Jul

Aug 15: UConn Extension Offers Biological Control Conference for Ornamental Growers New Haven

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Aug 15: UConn Extension Offers Biological Control Conference for Ornamental Growers New Haven

UCONN EXTENSION OFFERS BIOLOGICAL CONTROL CONFERENCE FOR ORNAMENTAL GROWERS

When: Thursday, August 15, 2024

Where: Jones Auditorium at the Connecticut Agricultural Experiment Station (CAES), New Haven CT

Featuring:

Suzanne Wainwright Evans (Buglady Consulting) who will be speaking on The Latest on the World of Pest Management and Not all Thrips are Western Flower Thrips
John Sanderson (Cornell University) who will be speaking on Troubleshooting Your Biocontrol Program
Carlos Bogran (OHP) who will be speaking on Fungal Bioinsecticides as Tools to Manage Insect & Mite Pests of Greenhouse Crops
Lindsay Curran (Prides Corner Farms) who will be speaking on Real World Use of Beneficials

Five pesticide credits have been requested for this program.

Registration is $50 per person and includes boxed lunch. Online registration will end on August 8^th.

See the Conference webpage for specifics on the schedule and registration information.

If you have questions about registration or refunds, please contact Mayra Toro Herrera at Mayra.toroh@uconn.edu

If you have any questions about the program, please contact Leanne Pundt at leanne.pundt@uconn.edu

Jul

Aug 1: UConn Plant Science Research and Education Facility to host FREE Vegetable IPM Field Workshop

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Aug 1: UConn Plant Science Research and Education Facility to host FREE Vegetable IPM Field Workshop in Storrs, CT

VEGETABLE IPM FIELD WORKSHOP

Thursday, August 1, 2024, Rain or shine
3 – 6 pm
UConn Plant Science Research and Education Facility
59 Agronomy Road, Storrs CT

Join UConn Extension Faculty at the Plant Science Research Farm to learn about important vegetable pests and management options.

Presentation topics include:

UConn Plant Diagnostic Lab updates
Bacterial vegetable diseases
Management of fungal plant diseases
Cole crop caterpillar scouting hands-on training
Climate adaptation tools for vegetable growers
Pesticide safety program updates

There is no cost to attend this workshop but registration by July 30 is required. Seating is limited – reserve your spot today!

Complimentary light dinner at the end
2.5 Pesticide recertification credits in PA and 1A categories- pending approval
Questions can be e-mailed to ana.legrand@uconn.edu or leave a message at 860-486-0572.

If you require an accommodation to participate in this event, please contact organizer at above e-mail or phone number by July 26, 2024.

Jun

Webinar July 10: CT Milk Promotion Board: Dairy’s Future is Bright with Corey Geiger

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Webinar July 10: CT Milk Promotion Board: Dairy’s Future is Bright with Corey Geiger

UPCOMING WEBINAR PRESENTED BY THE CONNECTICUT MILK PROMOTION BOARD: DAIRY’S FUTURE IS BRIGHT WITH COREY GEIGER

A webinar hosted by the Connecticut Milk Promotion Board, “Dairy’s Future is Bright” on Wednesday, July 10 at 3 p.m., this webinar features Corey Geiger, lead economist for dairy production and processing at CoBank’s Knowledge Exchange research division.With a wealth of experience in the dairy industry, Geiger brings unparalleled expertise to the table. Formerly the managing editor of Hoard’s Dairyman magazine, he spearheaded editorial efforts across multiple language editions and played a pivotal role in shaping the industry. Geiger’s diverse background encompasses policymaking, international trade, and Federal Milk Marketing Orders, positioning him as a thought leader in the industry.

Don’t miss this opportunity to gain insights from Geiger’s extensive dairy knowledge. From navigating market trends to exploring sustainability initiatives, this webinar promises to shed light on the bright future of dairy.

Jun

Berkshire – Taconic Grazing Workshop with Sarah Flack July 15-16

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Berkshire – Taconic Grazing Workshop with Sarah Flack July 15-16

BERKSHIRE-TACONIC GRAZING TOUR: JULY 15/16

This grazing workshop aims to educate grazing land managers and new graziers about sustainable grazing techniques, demonstrate different approaches to climate-smart grazing, and identify opportunities to improve grazing practices. We also hope that this workshop is a place for graziers to connect with each other and with conservation technicians to create ongoing grazing education support networks.

Monday, July 15th will feature grass-based and organic livestock production consultant Sarah Flack, providing a Sustainable Grazing Management workshop at Gould Farm in Monterey, MA, followed by guided pasture walks at Gould Farm and at The Farm in New Marlborough, MA. As the workshop concludes for the day, we invite you to stay and join us for a networking dinner BBQ at The Farm in New Marlborough, MA, featuring their meats, local side dishes and beverages.

On Tuesday, July 16th Sarah Flack will guide a tour to 3 grass-fed livestock farms across the Taconic region of NY:

Chaseholm Farm, Pine Plains, NY

Kinderhook Farm, Valatie, NY

Harrier Fields Farm, Schodack Landing, NY

Lunch, coffee & snacks will be provided on both days, along with the post-workshop networking dinner on July 15th. Registration is $35, or $15 for limited resource and BIPOC farmers. Learn more here: https://berkshiregrown.org/workshops/

Jun

CT Land Conservation Council Climate Smart Land Stewardship Grants

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CT Land Conservation Council Climate Smart Land Stewardship Grants

CLIMATE SMART PROGRAMMING

INTRODUCING CONNECTICUT LAND CONSERVATION COUNCIL’S NEW CLIMATE-SMART STEWARDSHIP PROGRAM

The Connecticut Land Conservation Council (CLCC) was awarded funds from the Connecticut Department of Agriculture this past spring, and CLCC has been hard at work developing its Climate Smart Land Stewardship grant program. CLCC is thrilled to officially launch this grant program, which makes $500,000 available to land trusts in the form of planning and implementation grants.

Planning Grants – Up to $8,000

Designed for organizations in the early stages of developing a climate-smart land stewardship project, these grants can fund the background research and plan development needed to implement a climate-smart project. Examples include developing forest management plans, pollinator planting plans, or work plans for implementing specific climate-smart practices.

Implementation Grants – Up to $50,000

Larger grants will be available to assist land trusts with implementing these climate-smart practices on their preserves. They fund activities related to the on-the-ground implementation of climate-smart practices and may fund the initiation of new projects and/or the continuation of existing projects. Scroll down for samples of climate-smart practices that your land trust might wish to consider.

Who is Eligible?

Eligible applicants must be tax-exempt organizations with a mission dedicated to land conservation and/or stewardship of conserved lands in Connecticut. Projects must be located within the state of Connecticut on land owned in fee by the applicant.

Together, these programs will increase the number of acres managed using climate-smart practices, and encourage future climate-smart management practices among Connecticut’s land trusts.

Important Dates

In 2024, applications will be reviewed quarterly. Submission deadlines are at 5:00pm on:

August 1, 2024

November 1, 2024

Funding decisions are anticipated approximately six weeks after application deadlines.

More Information and Application Instructions:

https://ctconservation.org/programs/climate-smart/

May

UConn Extension Poultry Seminar May 24, Vernon CT

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UConn Extension Poultry Seminar May 24, Vernon CT

UCONN EXTENSION POULTRY SEMINAR

Wings of Wisdom: Fostering Sustainable Poultry Innovation in Connecticut through Academic-Community Collaboration

Friday, May 24, 2024, 10:00am – 4:00pm
Tolland County Extension Center (24, Hyde Avenue, Vernon, CT)
Lunch will be from 12:30-1:00 pm, afternoon session will start around 1:00 pm. Registration is free, lunch is included.

Morning Session: (geared towards students, 4-H & FFA members and educators) Introduction of basic poultry management, poultry health and diseases, interventions to improve the health and production of chickens.

Afternoon Session: (geared towards farmers & processors) Small Farm processing, CT Poultry Association updates, question and answer forum with CT department of Ag speakers.

Sign up here: s.uconn.edu/poultryseminar

Contact Indu if any questions or if you require reasonable accommodations for a disability. Email : indu.upadhyaya@uconn.edu or call 860-786-8191.

Mar

Solid Ground, CT NOFA and CT Farmers Alliance Climate Smart Programming On-Farm Field Days

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Solid Ground, CT NOFA and CT Farmers Alliance Offering (5) Climate Smart Programming On-Farm Field Days

CLIMATE SMART FIELD DAYS

Solid Ground is partnering up with CT NOFA and New CT Farmers Alliance to put together some really great Climate Smart Field Days this spring! All of these field days are made possible by the Transition to Organic Partnership Program (TOPP), a national program that helps farmers navigate the ins and outs of certification, and provides mentorships and technical assistance to those who are considering organic certification. USDA Organic Transition Initiative and the Transition to Organic Partnership Program.

All of these events are ON FARMS throughout the state, where the practices that we are talking about are taking place so you can see the topics in action. Some of the events even include a free lunch! So choose the ones that look most interesting and sign up.

High Tunnels: How to get and use them
Date: Saturday, April 6, 2024
Time: 10am – 2pm
Location: Star Light Gardens, 85 School St, Middlefield, CT 06455

High tunnels can provide farmers with many benefits, such as longer growing season, reduction of environmental stress, temperature and moisture control, among others. The Field Day will cover climate smart high tunnel production practices and benefits. There will also be a discussion of how to get funding to install your own high tunnel. Lunch will be provided.

Sign up:
s.uconn.edu/hightunnels

Safe & Efficient Water Management
Date: Sunday, April 28, 2024
Time: 1pm – 4pm
Location: Russo’s Roots Farm, 289 North Society Road, Canterbury

Too much water? Not enough water? Climate change in Connecticut continues to impact farms every year and incorporating different water management techniques can mean the difference between a successful season and not. Libby from Russo’s Roots will go over the different water management techniques used on their farm, water sources, using timers for watering, and the different nozzles they use when doing overhead watering. We’ll also touch on what hasn’t worked in the past and changes they’d like to make in the future.

Sign up:
s.uconn.edu/watermgmt

Energy Efficiency on the Farm
Date: Sunday, May 5, 2024
Time: 1pm – 4pm
Location: Four Root Farm, 257 Tater Hill Road, East Haddam

Ridge vents? Shade cloths? As temperatures continue to rise, finding ways to protect your crops in the high heat of the season is just one more thing for farmers to worry about, including the raising energy bills! Implementing new strategies on the farm can be expensive so learn about what’s out there before making that big purchase. Aaron from Four Root Farm will go over some of the techniques they’ve implemented over the years to help with Energy Efficiency on the farm and the benefits they’ve seen as a result.

Sign up:
s.uconn.edu/efficientfarmenergy

Soil Health Assessment 3 Ways: Biological, Chemical, Physical
Date: Saturday, May 11, 2024
Time: 10am – 2pm
Location: Sunset Farm, 1057 Andrew Mountain Rd, Naugatuck, CT 06770

We will break down the various ways we study soil to get a complete picture of how well our soil functions as a living ecosystem. The Field Day will cover the various testing methods that evaluate the physical structure of soil, chemical composition and biological activity as well as address how these methods of testing can be incorporated into your soil management plan. Lunch will be provided.

Sign up:
s.uconn.edu/soilhealth3ways

Soil Health Benefits of No-Till Production
Date: Sunday, June 2, 2024
Time: 1pm – 4pm
Location: Sweet Acre Farm, Lebanon

Are you thinking of trying out some new soil health practices on your farm? Join us at Sweet Acre Farm to learn about what practices they’ve implemented over the years and the changes they’re seeing in their soil. They’ll discuss low/no-till methods, cover crops, field rotation, and how they’ve begun to integrate their flock of chickens into their field plans.

Sign up:
s.uconn.edu/notillsoilhealth

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