Agriculture and Food

Ensuring a vibrant and sustainable agricultural industry and food supply

Water Webinar March 30, 2023

Are you drowning with questions about agricultural water? Join us for our water webinar on March 30!

Topics include compliance dates, new assessment tools, and harvest/post-harvest water.

Speakers:

Indu Upadhyaya, Food Safety Extension Specialist

Diane Wright Hirsch, Emeritus Faculty Food Safety

Click/tap here or on the flyer above to register!

UConn 4-H is hiring Associate Extension Educators!

4-H logoThe Department of Extension is seeking applicants for three full-time (11-month), non-tenure track Assistant/Associate Extension Educators. One position will target Food and Agricultural Literacy, one on Environmental Literacy, and the other will focus on Healthy Lifestyles Literacy. These three vacant positions are not specifically designated to an assigned location. Final placement will be negotiable, with one educator primarily based in each of the following locations: (a) the Fairfield County Extension Office in Bethel, (b) the New Haven County Extension Office in North Haven, and (c)the Windham County Extension Office in Brooklyn.

See the full position description by visiting s.uconn.edu/4-hjobs2023

Applications will only be accepted through Academic Jobs Online academicjobsonline.org/ajo/jobs/24541

Screening of applicants will continue until the position is filled.

UConn Extension Internship Application Deadline Extended

woman with UConn shirt smiling, and navy blue & green text over a green background

The application deadline for our summer internships has been extended to March 26th. 

Get paid while learning and working in a career-oriented role. We offer internships in the following disciplines:

  • Food
  • Health
  • Nutrition
  • Sustainability
  • Research
  • Agribusiness
  • Youth Education
  • Community Development
  • Marketing

Click here to view internship descriptions.

Most of these roles are for an average 18-20 hours per week over the 10 week summer period with some requiring a bit of weekend and/or evening hours, although these circumstances vary by position. Some of these positions for employment are contingent upon the successful completion of a pre-employment criminal background check.

Don’t miss out on the opportunity to intern with us this summer!

Click here to apply.

 

From This Land: Honoring Native Foods of Winter

Put Local On Your Tray Native Foods Banner

Along with Narragansett artist, farmer and educator, Dawn M. Spears, Put Local On Your Tray is pleased to announce a new campaign series called, “From This Land: Honoring Native Foods“. The first installment of the series looks at native foods of winter, including maple syrup!
You can find more information about artist Dawn M. Spears, Tray’s goal with the campaign, and many resources for educators including online readings, maps, recipes, and downloadable handouts (original materials created by UConn Extension’s Put Local On Your Tray and Dawn M. Spears).

Click Here

Poultry Workshop

Are you interested in learning how to enhance your poultry skills? Our Extension educators are hosting a Poultry Workshop to help you achieve your poultry goals.

The workshop will be held on Wednesday April 26th, from 10 am – 2pm at the Tolland Agricultural Center (TAC),
24 Hyde Avenue Vernon, CT 06066.  For more information contact Heather Goodman at heather.goodman@uconn.edu

workshop flyer with navy blue lettering and a chicken

Highlights of Extension

collage of pages from Extension highlights publication

Our 2022 Highlights of Extension report shows how UConn Extension continues innovating to meet audiences and partners around the issues identified in the strategic initiatives set forth by the UConn College of Agriculture, Health and Natural Resources.

Youth programs, water quality, and geospatial education are all part of the sustainable landscapes and climate portfolios and featured throughout this issue. In agriculture, we continue partnering with the Mashantucket Pequot Tribal Nation, innovating aquaculture production in the state, and serving new and beginning farmers.

The work of our financial literacy program is needed now more than ever and aligns with our other health programming. All programs center diversity, equity, inclusion and justice, and this work is ongoing. UConn Extension educators and volunteers continue to improve the lives of residents in all 169 cities and towns. Extension is steadfast in our commitment and will continue evolving alongside those we serve.

We invite you to explore the progress made over the past year and join us in future programs.

Read our report online at s.uconn.edu/highlights

Hungry or Full?

Waiting too long to eat between meals or overeating at meals can make you question whether or not you are hungry or full. Not drinking enough water  throughout the day can also contribute to feeling hungry.
 
We’ve put together 5 tips to help you recognize whether your body is telling you that it needs food or not. Check in with yourself during the day and ask, “Why am I hungry?” 
black text over mint green background and pictures of fruits and cereal

GMO Training for Science/Agriscience Educators

Agriscience and Secondary Science educators:
Apply now for a research study providing 30-hours of professional development training at the UConn Storrs campus about genetically modified organisms (GMOs), receive training in a new curriculum and increase your laboratory skills to expand student understanding. Compensation of $600 will be provided to participants.
Visit s.uconn.edu/applygmo to learn more!
advertisement with gene symbols and black and green letters

UConn Cannabis Symposium March 16-17, 2023

UConn Cannabis Symposium

March 16–17, 2023UConn Student Union

The University of Connecticut has been a leader nationally in developing the first series of courses offered at a U.S. academic institution on cannabis production. Join us on March 16-17 as expert speakers cover topics related to cannabis such as: plant production, biochemistry and genetics, clinical impacts, law and policy, and the future of the industry. The UConn Cannabis Symposium will be a premiere event for students, scientists, educators, and members of the cannabis industry to network and share information in the emerging cannabis field. This is an event that you will not want to miss!

Support Extension During UConn Gives

UConn Gives logo 2023

Extension program participants everywhere know that we are committed to providing an exceptional experience. During UConn Gives, a 36-hour giving initiative on March 8-9, program participants, faculty, staff, and friends worldwide come together to give back and celebrate what they care about at UConn Extension.

Please join us in supporting our Extension programs - $5 is an immense help and unlocks matching gifts too.

master gardener volunteers in front of a garden

Extension Master Gardeners

Extension Master Gardeners share their knowledge and their passion for horticulture and the environment throughout Connecticut. Using the knowledge and the skills gained in the training portion of the program, Master Gardeners provide research-based information and assistance through classes, clinics, workshops, and community outreach projects, More than 9,000 participants have assisted and encouraged homeowners, schools, municipalities, and many other community groups.

Give to the Master Gardeners: s.uconn.edu/givetogardeners

master gardener volunteers in front of a garden

UConn 4-H

The 4-H Centennial Fund provides unique leadership, civic education and workforce preparedness opportunities through state, regional and national 4-H events. UConn 4-H reaches over 18,000 youth each year with exciting learning opportunities.

three images of youth in forest

Youth Environmental Changemakers

Your generous gift will enable high school students from underserved Connecticut communities to get paid while participating in our award-winning 9-month environmental education program! The Conservation Ambassador Program (CAP) includes a one-week action-packed, hands-on field experience at the Storrs campus, followed by a local environmental action project tailored to the student's interests and community needs.
Give to Youth Environmental Changemakers: s.uconn.edu/changemakers
woman running tests in laboratory

Connecticut Veterinary Medical Diagnostic Laboratory

CVMDL is dedicated to improving and developing state-of-the-art diagnostics for the protection and monitoring of animal health not only in Connecticut but across the United States. As part of the National Animal Health Laboratory Network (NAHLN) and as the only Nationally Accredited laboratory in New England, CVMDL is at the forefront of disease surveillance. Advances in testing will ensure enhanced safety for our pets, our food supply, and people.
Give to the Connecticut Veterinary Medical Diagnostic Laboratory (CVMDL): s.uconn.edu/give-cvmdl
Joe and Zhai in the meat lab

Animal Science Meat Laboratory

The UConn Meat Science Laboratory was built for college teaching and commercial service of slaughtering, processing, and meat packaging in the 1950s and has been primarily used for teaching and research since the 1990’s. The funds raised by UConn Gives will contribute to equipment repair and small upgrades in the UConn Meat Science Laboratory.
Give to the Meat Lab: s.uconn.edu/give-meat-lab