Our Programs
Commercial
Connecticut Farm Risk Management
Risk management is an often overlooked strategy that can make a difference in the success of your farm. Our mission is to provide farmers and agribusinesses with information to improve farm financial management and reduce risk. Connecticut Farm Risk Management Website
Dairy Foods
We work extensively with small to very-small producers on product development, process control, environmental monitoring, and the development and implementation of dairy food safety management systems. We are bringing research to the real world through technical assistance, education, and advocacy to meet the needs of society and our stakeholders. Dairy Foods Website
Farm Stress Management
Agriculture is a challenging and stressful business, but farmers and producers are not alone. Connecticut agricultural organizations have mental health resources specific to the industry that are available on demand. There are tools, information, interviews, webinars, videos and services that help producers and farmers cope, and remind us that we are not alone. This project is led by the Connecticut Department of Agriculture, in partnership with Extension and others. Farm Stress Management Website
Food Safety
The CDC estimates that each year roughly 48 million people get sick; 128,000 are hospitalized; and 3,000 die of foodborne illness. The safety of our food supply is the responsibility of all who grow, process, sell, prepare, and eat food. Choices made regarding the safe production, processing, preparation, and consumption of food should be based on current science-based safe handling guidelines. Here you will find the food safety information and resources Connecticut consumers, producers, processors, retailers, and others need to help them produce and prepare safer food. Food Safety Website
Greenhouse
The Greenhouse research and Extension mission is to conduct and communicate research to assist growers in the greenhouse industry to become environmentally and financially more efficient and sustainable. Greenhouse Website
Science of GMOs
The Science of GMOs (genetically modified organism) is a website to share information on genetically modified organisms. The content is generated from UConn faculty and staff in the College of Agriculture, Health and Natural Resources. These researchers and professors range in expertise from animal embryology to plant diagnosticians. It can be difficult to find science-based information that is understandable. The Science of GMOs is intended to help bridge the information gap. With information all vetted by a range of professors, this page is intended to provide real answers to questions concerning people today. Science of GMOs Website
Hemp
The UConn Hemp Research, Extension and Outreach Programs are intended to assist commercial hemp producers by providing information on production techniques and pest management. The programs emphasizes healthy soils, balanced plant nutrition, pest identification, and preventative management strategies. The program offers research, training and field visits for hemp growers. Hemp Website
Integrated Pest Management (IPM)
A sustainable and scientific approach to managing pests. IPM practitioners base decisions on information that is collected systematically as they integrate economic, environmental, and social goals. This approach applies to any situation, agricultural or urban, and is flexible enough to accommodate the changing demands of agriculture, commerce, and society. Integrated Pest Management Website
Nutrient Management
Nutrient Management on farms is a balancing act between how much manure needs to be spread and how many nutrients crop fields need. We work with dairy farmers throughout the state to address the challenge of managing nutrient distribution on their fields through research and outreach, innovative technology, and by fostering collaborative partnerships. Nutrient Management Website
Pesticide Safety Education
The goals of the Pesticide Safety Education program are to ensure that anyone using pesticides uses them safely. Pesticides are important tools in pest management, but they and must be respected for what they are and handled in a manner that protects the applicator, the public, the environment, and our food supply. Pesticide Safety Education Website
Plant Diagnostic Lab
The UConn Plant Diagnostic Laboratory diagnoses plant problems including diseases, insect pests and abiotic causes. Techniques used for diagnosis include visual inspection, digital images, microscopy, incubation, baiting, culture, nematode services, and serological tests. Plant Diagnostic Lab Website
Poultry
The UConn Poultry Extension program offers a variety of resources for backyard and commercial poultry flocks. Resources include keeping your small flocks at home, health resources, breeding, and buying guides. Poultry Care Video Series
Sea Grant
Our Connecticut Sea Grant Extension program works with coastal ecosystems, environmental literacy, resilient communities, and aquaculture and fisheries. Sea Grant Website
Soil Health & Conservation
Our approach is to provide a team (with expertise in agronomy, engineering, pasture management, cover cropping, manure management, livestock and vegetable production, soil health, farming in a changing climate, food safety, weed management, farm energy use, and farm viability) to work with individual farmers in the watershed. By working with individual farmers to address their specific goals and challenges, we are seeking to build soil health and restore and protect water quality. Soil Health & Conservation Website
Soil Testing
The University of Connecticut Soil Nutrient Analysis Laboratory (SNAL) has been serving the farmers, greenhouse growers, and residents of Connecticut for over 70 years. Soil Testing Website
Solid Ground for New & Beginning Farmers
New farms has a suite of resources to strengthen our farms across Connecticut. Trainings are based on input from beginning farmers and UConn Extension’s recent experience working with beginner farmers. Solid Ground for New & Beginning Farmers Website
Tribes Extension
UConn Extension and the Mashantucket Pequot Tribal Nation have been collaborating to enhance agricultural production, food security, and health of tribal community members.Tribes Extension Website
Home Audiences/Consumers
4-H Youth
4-H is the youth development program of UConn Extension. As part of the University of Connecticut, 4-H has access to research-based, age-appropriate information needed to help youth reach their full potential. The mission of 4-H is to assist all youth ages 5-18 in acquiring knowledge and developing leadership and life skills while forming attitudes that will enable them to become self-directing, productive, and contributing members of their families and communities. 4-H Youth Website
Community Nutrition
UConn Extension's community nutrition programs aim to improve health outcomes by providing education on balanced diets, food safety, and access to nutritious foods. These programs empower individuals and families to make informed food choices, fostering long-term wellness and reducing food insecurity across diverse populations.Community Nutrition Website
Equine Extension
Our>Equine Extension Specialists provide outreach to people interested in horses throughout Connecticut, the Northeast and the United States. Equine Extension Website
Food Safety
The CDC estimates that each year roughly 48 million people get sick; 128,000 are hospitalized; and 3,000 die of foodborne illness. The safety of our food supply is the responsibility of all who grow, process, sell, prepare, and eat food. Choices made regarding the safe production, processing, preparation, and consumption of food should be based on current science-based safe handling guidelines. Here you will find the food safety information and resources Connecticut consumers, producers, processors, retailers, and others need to help them produce and prepare safer food. Food Safety Website
Home & Garden Education Center
The UConn Home & Garden Education Center (HGEC) is a horticultural information resource for the citizens of Connecticut and beyond. The staff at the Center reach nearly 400,000 citizens in outreach efforts each year. We’re ready to assist you. Home & Garden Education Center Website
Master Gardeners
The UConn Extension Master Gardener Program is an educational outreach program that is part of UConn Extension. The program started in 1978 and consists of horticulture training and an outreach component that focuses on the community at large. Master Gardeners are enthusiastic, willing to learn and share their knowledge and training with others. What sets them apart from other home gardeners is their special horticultural training. In exchange for this training, Master Gardeners commit time as volunteers working through their local UConn Extension Center and the Bartlett Arboretum in Stamford to provide horticultural-related information to the community. Master Gardeners Website
Poultry
The UConn Poultry Extension program offers a variety of resources for backyard and commercial poultry flocks. Resources include keeping your small flocks at home, health resources, breeding, and buying guides. Poultry Care Video Series
Put Local On Your Tray
Put Local On Your Tray helps connect local farmers and our schools, and provides support for wholesale requirements. Put Local On Your Tray Website
Soil Testing
The University of Connecticut Soil Nutrient Analysis Laboratory (SNAL) has been serving the farmers, greenhouse growers, and residents of Connecticut for over 70 years. Soil Testing Website