July Farm Tasks: Summer Safety Tips

Between the heat waves, haze from wildfires, and increasing insect populations, there’s a lot to keep in mind when it comes to staying safe while working outdoors throughout the summer months. UConn Extension has a great fact sheet on Preparing Farm Operations for Extreme Summer Weather which features a summer checklist that is ready-to-print and easy to post in a barn or outside of a cooler door.

Wildfire Smoke

Smoke from devastating wildfires in Canada and parts of the Midwest was blowing across much of the Northeast last week causing air quality concerns and making outdoor working conditions more hazardous. In these conditions, masks can be used for protection, but they must be N95 in order to be effective. During distant fire events, air quality tends to be worse in your local area in the early morning and later afternoon, so consider avoiding exposure during peak hours.

Find additional wildfire smoke safety resources via the Wildfire Smoke Safety website.

Curious if wildfire smoke (even at a distance) impacts locally grown food? UConn Extension Vegetable Specialist, Shuresh Ghimire, spoke to direct and indirect impacts on local agriculture in last week’s Pest Alert message.

Extreme Heat

Heat exposure can be extremely dangerous. Regular water and shade breaks are key to staying healthy while working in hot and humid weather. Know the signs of heat stress and dehydration, and take precautions to avoid emergency situations.

Learn more – Heat Stress: Work/Rest Schedules from the CDC

Ticks and Mosquitos

The Connecticut Agricultural Experiment Station (CAES) receives tick submissions from CT residents and local health departments). Since early spring 2026, they have been reporting high populations of ticks. As the grasses and weeds grow tall through the summer months, tick habitats expand and we become more likely to encounter them. Do your best to prevent tick bites by keeping walking areas well-mowed, wearing appropriate clothing, and regularly conducting thorough tick checks.

Fact sheet: Protecting People and Animals from Tick-Borne Diseases
Visit the Connecticut Veterinary Medical Diagnostic Laboratory or the Connecticut Agricultural Experiment Station (no charge) for the latest information on tick testing.

CAES also monitors mosquito populations for transmissible diseases and at the end of June reported the presence of mosquitos with West Nile Virus in a trap in Milford, CT. This is a good reminder to wear mosquito repellent and cover bare skin when outdoors for a long period of time, especially during dusk and dawn when they are most active.

Dave Tschiegg is the Organic Outreach Specialist in partnership with UConn Extension, CT NOFA, and the Connecticut Department of Agriculture. He supports transitioning and certified organic farms in growing their presence in the organic market through one-on-one, in-person marketing assistance and alignment with the forthcoming CT Grown Organic campaign. He looks forward to meeting farmers where they are to help grow their businesses through creative, strategic marketing.

Technical Assistance Services

• Guidance on participating in the CT Grown certified organic campaign and related promotional opportunities
• Technical assistance implementing CT Grown certified organic brand and marketing assets
• Share insights from organic consumer research report to support market growth and customer engagement
• Evaluate current marketing strategies and materials
• Make recommendations for enhancing brand messaging and storytelling around certified organic status and products 
• Assess website and social media presence

Book a consultation with Dave!

Network Highlight: Dig In with CT Farm Service Agency

The USDA Farm Service Agency (FSA) supports farms and farming communities with programs related to disaster relief, conservation, commodity price guarantees, and loans. CT Farmers can provide input on how these federal farm programs are administered locally by getting involved with FSA. Here’s where to start:

1. Get connected with your local FSA office. FSA is now using a digital appointment platform to allow producers to make farm program and farm loan appointments online. You can use the new FSA County Office locator to find your county office page with contact and booking information.
   
2. Submit a nomination for a County Committee member. The FSA is currently accepting nominations for County Committee members in six Local Administrative Areas (LAAs) in CT. If you live in an LLAs up for election this year and have registered your farm business with FSA, you are eligible to make a nomination or be nominated. Check to see if your LAA is up for election by contacting your local FSA office. Elections will take place via mail-in ballots to eligible voters between November and December. Newly elected county committee members will take office in January 2027.

For questions about items listed in this newsletter, please reach out to nicole.davidow@uconn.edu.