Farmland Seeking Skill Share

Join us on April 29th as we kick off the 2026 Skill Share Series at Ives Farm in Cheshire, CT! This event will be a great an opportunity to learn the ins and outs of land evaluation. Join Kip Kolesinskas, Solid Ground Professional Soil, Conservation, and Land Use Consultant, as he reviews everything that goes into doing your homework on a piece of property, assessing various aspects of farm land including water sources, infrastructure, soil types, animal habitats, and more. There will also be an opportunity to meet different agricultural service providers interested in helping you take this next step. If you are looking to lease or purchase land, this event is for you!

SIGN UP FOR THE FARMLAND SEEKING SKILL SHARE!

April Farm Tasks: Setting Yourself Up For Success

There is no doubt April is a busy time on the farm. Whether you're breaking ground on new field, busy seeding in the greenhouse, starting a new flock, caring for new lambs, kids, calves, or piglets, or checking other items off your growing to-do list... there's no shortage of spring activities.

Each season brings with it a unique set of opportunities and challenges, and our team at Solid Ground wants to make sure you feel supported.

• Ask Us Questions: Commercial farmers and businesses can reach out for a free consultation, offered either in person or virtually. Meet our consultants and submit a request to connect.
• Join Us In Person: Our 2026 Skill Share Series kicks off this April. For a full list of upcoming events and training opportunities, check out the Upcoming Trainings page on our website.
• Keep In Touch: Many of our Educators publish regular updates including pest alert messages, growing considerations, and season-specific information related to crops, diseases, and other important factors. Stay connected with UConn Extension's team of professionals across service areas by joining a mailing list!

As the season progresses, please remember to use the Solid Ground network as a resource. Farming has always involved resilience, community, and shared strength. Behind every early morning and long day in the field is a team standing with you and eager to support your success.

Happy Farming!

- The Solid Ground Team

Are You a Good Fit for the Farm To School Directory?

Since 2018, the UConn Extension CT Farm to School Directory has been a first stop for School Food Service Directors seeking farms to participate in farm to school sales. 

The farm to school procurement landscape has evolved and grown significantly in the past 8 years! As a result, we are updating the Directory to better reflect the changing needs of both farmers and school food buyers and to increase the effectiveness of this directory. Farms currently listed will need to UPDATE their listing by May 31^st. 

New farms listed on the Directory must demonstrate ability and willingness to connect with schools. 

Are you a good fit?!? Fill out the form to help determine if your farm is a good fit for this directory.

Please reach out to Shannon Raider-Ginsburg with any questions at shannon.raider@uconn.edu.

CT Grown Organic Corner

You’ve earned your USDA Organic certification—now what?

Certification is more than a seal on your label; it’s a powerful marketing asset that builds trust, supports price premiums, and opens new market channels.

Join Dave Tschiegg, UConn Extension's Organic Outreach Specialist, for a one-hour workshop on Monday, April 27th at 6pm to help certified and transitioning organic farmers strategically leverage their certification to strengthen their brand, clarify messaging, and grow sales. Participants will learn organic marketing best practices and gain access to new, free marketing tools developed specifically for Connecticut's organic farmers.

This workshop is designed for anyone interested in learning marketing techniques, though the models presented will be through the lens of a Certified Organic farm. Key insights will include:

• How to make the most of the USDA Organic seal and approved organic language in your marketing
• Learn simple, proven marketing practices to help you stand out and justify your organic price
• Turn your organic farming practices into clear, relatable stories for customers—online and in person
• Access new free marketing resources created for Connecticut organic farmers

Register for the workshop to receive the meeting link. This workshop will be recorded and posted to the CT Grown organic producer resource website. 

Video Highlight: Soil Health

Our soil is the foundation of all that we do in farming, so it is integral that we understand our own soils, how soil is tested, and how soil reacts to different conditions. If you're looking to broaden your understanding of soil, here are some videos to guide you!

• View Video: Using Web Soil Survey to Identify Your Soils
• View Video: How to Take a Soil Test

View a series videos featuring recorded trainings, highlights of how local farms are developing their business, and more on our Solid Ground YouTube Channel.