Solid Ground offers a range of training and learning opportunities for new and beginning farmers, including Agroecology and Agricultural Mechanics trainings. These programs are designed to build practical skills, strengthen farm decision‑making, and support the long‑term viability and sustainability of farm businesses in Connecticut.
Our trainings combine research‑based instruction with applied, hands‑on learning, helping farmers develop skills they can use directly on their operations. Information on upcoming workshops and courses is listed below, with additional opportunities added regularly.
We also welcome input from the farming community. If you have suggestions for training topics you would like to see offered, please contact us at solidground@uconn.edu. Your feedback helps ensure Solid Ground programming remains responsive to farmer needs across the state.
To stay informed about upcoming trainings and learning opportunities, we encourage you to join the Solid Ground email list, where we share updates on programs and events offered throughout Connecticut.
Skill Share Trainings are currently in development. Please check back for updates.
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.
Classes Offered
Climate Smart Course
With a changing climate, it becomes more important for our farmers to be nimble and adapt to a variety of weather and temperature events. This is especially relevant for new and beginning farmers as they build their farms and create businesses that will ideally last throughout these new challenges.
Business of Farming
Participants will learn how to create and develop a business plan using the AgPlan web application. The course will also provide information on marketing, branding, financial management, filing taxes, legal business formation, crop and liability insurance, and more.
Land Ownership Readiness Course
In partnership with CT Department of Agriculture, we are excited to work for underserved producers, including socially disadvantaged producers, by increasing their access to land, capital, and markets.
Please contact us if cost is prohibitive and we will work with you to make this affordable.
Please contact us two 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.