Farmer Trainings
Welcome to Solid Ground Farmer Trainings, a program of UConn CAHNR Extension. We are so excited to be offering another season of trainings including our Agro-Ecology and Ag-Mechanics trainings! Find out more information about learning opportunities below. Please note: These trainings are intended for production farmers in Connecticut, if you have a a hobby farm or are gardening, please reference this other wonderful UConn Extension program here: https://homegarden.cahnr.uconn.edu/
See our previous trainings. See what kind of topics we cover and get an idea of what we do.
If you have suggestions as to what kind of trainings you would like to see, please email our communications staff.
Join our email list, so you can be updated on trainings we are presenting in the state
Skill Shares
Farmland Access and Evaluation: https://forms.office.com/r/hwifT7xypJ
Date: Sunday, May 18th
Time: 10am-2pm
Location: TBD, Greater Hartford Area
Date: Sunday, May 25th
Time: 10am-2pm
Locations:
River Crest Farm, 534 Oronoque Rd, Milford, CT and
Off Center Farm, 48 Center Rd. Woodbridge, 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.
Please note that this is a workshop series, spaced out over two Sundays in late May. May 18th will consist of a classroom portion as well as a farm walk, and we will spend time navigating the Web Soil Survey along with other online tools. If you can only attend one day for this series (we really recommend you make it out to both!) then we encourage you to come May 18th, since otherwise you will be missing some important context for May 25th.
Registrations will close Friday, May 16th at 5pm
Livestock Twilight- Rotational Grazing: https://forms.office.com/r/yJUsXkJzHR
Date: Wednesday August 6th
Time: 5:30PM-8PM
Location: Hidden Blossom Farm, 18 Old Barrows Rd, Union, CT
Date: Wednesday August 13th
Time: 5:30PM-8PM
Location: High Silo Farm, 220 S Rd, New Hartford, CT
Description of Skill Share: For livestock, or potential livestock farmers, get a great chance to not only visit 2 farms that are actively working to incorporate rotational grazing into their farm plan (and learn from their experience), but also get the opportunity to hear from the Grass Whisperer himself- Troy Bishop.
At each farm, participants will go on a pasture walk and get instruction on how to calculate correct size paddocks for rotational grazing, forage/dry matter calculations and how to utilize rotational grazing fencing.
Registrations will close August 4th at 5pm
Coming Soon:
- Building a High Tunnel
- Cut Flower Farm Twilights
Please contact us if cost is prohibitive and we will work with you to make this affordable
Please contact us 2 weeks in advance with special needs (dietary, translation, accessibility, etc.) We'll do our best to accommodate you.
FOR ALL WORKSHOPS THAT INCLUDE TRAVEL: If the cost is prohibitive, Travel Stipends will be made available to participants at any event where travel is required to attend
Please do not attend if you are not feeling well - you will receive a refund.