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 coordinator.
Join our email list, so you can be updated on trainings we are presenting in the state.
Twilight Urban Farming Series
A small group learning opportunity as we focus on three unique Urban Farm operations. Each event will cover regulations, business plans, infrastructure and equipment needed so that you can start an operation of your own!
Vertical Farming & Hydroponics
Date: Wed, July 31, 2024
Time: 6:00 pm - 8:00 pm
Location: High Ridge Hydroponics
57 Chestnut St, Norwalk, CT 06854
Sign Up here: s.uconn.edu/twilightseries
Microgreens Indoor Production
Date: Sat, August 10, 2024
Time: 11:00 am - 1:00 pm
Location: GVI - Park City Harvest Llc
1469 Reservoir Ave, Bridgeport, CT 06606
Sign Up here: s.uconn.edu/twilightseries
Indoor Hydroponic Farming
Date: Thu, August 15, 2024
Time: 5:30 pm - 7:30 pm
Location: nOURish Farm
1895 Stratford Ave, Stratford CT 06615
Sign Up here: s.uconn.edu/twilightseries
Skill Shares
As these are small groups, signing up does not guarantee a spot in the skill share. By June we will contact you to let you know if you are part of this skill share.
Land Evaluation and Farmland Access
Date:Sunday, September 8th
Time: 10am-2pm
Location:Gunther Farm, 24 Hyde Ave. Vernon, CT
Date: Sunday, September 15th
Time: 10am-3pm
Location: Off Center Farm, 48 Center Rd. Woodbridge, CT and Beets and Blooms Farm, 6 Oakum Dock Rd, Cobalt, 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.
Sign up here: s.uconn.edu/landeval&access
Hemp for Fiber Production
3 Meet Ups at Connecticut Agricultural Experiment Station, Griswold Research Center
190 Sheldon Road, Griswold, CT, 06351
Date: Saturday August 31
Time: 10am-12pm
Date: Saturday, September 30
Time: 10am-12pm
Description of Skill Share: Go through a season of growing hemp with this skill share as you meet up multiple times during the growing season to observe and discuss the processes of seeding, harvesting, and processing hemp for fiber production. If you are looking to add this into your growing operation as a product, or if you already grow it, but haven't grown it with hemp fiber mind, this is the skill share for you.
Sign up here: s.uconn.edu/hemp4fiber
COST PER AG-MECHANICS WORKSHOP $25 - Lunch included. 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.