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 visit the UConn Home and Garden Office website.
If you have suggestions as to what kind of trainings you would like to see, please email us at solidground@uconn.edu
Join our email list, so you can be updated on trainings we are presenting in the state.
Ag Mechanics
All Classes are $25 unless otherwise marked
Small Engine II (4 Stroke)
Gain hands-on experience working on 4-stroke engines; string trimmers, walk behind tillers, log splitters and more. Bring your own engines and we can troubleshoot any problems you’ve been having or walk through how to take the engine apart and maintain your machine. We recommend attending this course if you already have some knowledge of how engines work, or if you took our Small Gas Engine Basics Course, since we will dive right into the hands-on training. (Dinner will be provided)
Date: March 11
Time: 4:30pm-7:30pm
Location: Middletown High School
Women’s Chainsaw – FULL, waitlist only
Intro to safe chainsaw operation. Students will learn about PPE, work area safety, basic saw maintenance, chain sharpening, and how to develop a felling plan. Each student will have a chance to fell their own tree. You may bring your own saw or use one that will be provided by the instructor. (Lunch will be provided)
Date: March 21
Time: 9:30-3:30
Location: UConn Forest
Small Engine II (2 Stroke)
Small Engine II (2 Stroke)
Gain hands-on experience taking apart a 2-stroke engine; chainsaws, lawn mowers, pumps and more. Learn how to diagnose some of the common problems you may encounter. Bring your own machines and we can troubleshoot any problems you’ve been having or show you how to take the engine apart. We recommend attending this course if you already have some knowledge of how engines work, or if you took our Small Gas Engine Basics Course, since we will dive right into the hands-on training. (Dinner will be provided)
Date: March 25
Time: 4:30pm-7:30pm
Location: Middletown High School
Intermediate Chainsaw
Intermediate Chainsaw
Level up your chainsaw skills with this intermediate class. Learn different techniques on dealing with felling troublesome trees, deciding which trees to fell, which type of saw to use and when, and various bucking techniques. (Lunch will be provided)
Date: March 28
Time: 9:30-3:30
Location: UConn Forest
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.