b'In Our Communityfarming operations. Extension guides manure digester discussions, and assists with manure management through data collection, soil testing, and ongoing research using drones and other types of innovation.Dairy farmers in the cooperative, and other areas of the state, are developing strategies for anaerobic digestion and to deal with phosphorus accumulation in farm soils as a result of the grant.4-H inSprague Methane digesters reduce odor and makeBy Pam Gray|4-H.uconn.edufarms more neighbor friendly. Digesters Photo courtesy of Morty Ortega. are expensive and need off farm food waste to help make the system profitable.One of UConn 4-Hs partners is the Nutrient Management in CanaanSome digester companies include foodSprague Public Library.By Rich Meinert|dairy-livestock.uconn.edu waste tipping fees in the economicI cannot say enough about the programs analysis, but not the increases in manure4-H offers libraries, says Elizabeth hauling costs to dispose of the addedBezanson, the Sprague Public Library Nutrient Management on farms is aThe Canaan Valley Agriculturaldigestate. Farms need accurate haulingDirector. The 4-H educators are always balancing act between how much manureCooperative Waste Management Programcost numbers to include in the economicImproving Health and Nutrition inHartfordextremely personable and well prepared for needs to be spread and how many nutri- formed in 1995 when Peter Jacquier ofanalysis of the digesters to determineany number of participants or age group. ents crop fields need. We work with dairyLaurelbrook Farm received a Northeastoverall profitability of these projects.By Angela Caldera |efnep.uconn.edu Activities are engaging for our participants farmers throughout the state to addressSustainable Agriculture Research andExtension continues to facilitate discus- and, particularly in our town, expose kids the challenge of managing nutrient dis- Education grant. Jacquier worked withsions with Canaan dairy farmers andParticipants at the Village FamilyParticipants learned measuring skills,to science-related concepts they may not tribution on their fields through researchfour other farmers to organize theothers to address these challenges. HE Resource Center at Burns Latino Studiesand how to use new kitchen tools tootherwise encounter on their own.and outreach, innovative technology, andcooperative. The farms improved manureAcademy in Hartford wanted more infor- make prep time fast and easy. We also The Sprague Public Library invested in by fostering collaborative partnerships.management and disposal practicesmation on health and nutrition. Ourhelped them develop meal planningour own Ozobots and we were obviously and adapted new technologies on theirExpanded Food and Nutrition Educationstrategies with ingredients they have atexcited when Ozobots were part of the 4-H program (EFNEP) partnered with thehome. We encouraged them to trackprogram offering because the staff learned Family Resource Center to provide fivetheir spending, and have their childrenquite a bit about facilitating an Ozobot educational outreach sessions in 2019.help with the math for extra practice. Urban Agriculture inBridgeport Community members wanted to learnOne parent shared with us, I am aprogram.By Bonnie Burr and Jiff Martin|sustainablefood.uconn.edu about food security, healthy choices,diabetic and have been trying to startOzobots are tiny robots that incorporate feeding children, quick and easy healthyeating healthy. It has been so hardphysical and digital aspects to teach youth recipes, how to include more fruits andbecause I didnt know what foods andhow to code, and is one of many programs Extension works on urban agriculturecollaborating with Green Villagevegetables, and how to save time andhow much I could eat. Now I am making4-H has to teach science, technology, engi-projects in cities including Danbury,Initiative. We implemented a year-roundmoney. Parents shared with our team thatchanges, measuring, and using an app toneering, and math skills.Stamford and Bridgeport. We areurban agriculture program in boththey struggle with diabetes, high bloodkeep track. After a few diet analyses sheIt was a great kickoff to our regular collaborating with food accessibility andEnglish and Spanish. Fifteen urbanpressure, and other health issues. was making positive changes that she alsoOzobot programs. I think this speaks to the food justice organizations in Bridgeportresidents from Bridgeport completed theprograms and services. Host sites sharedThe workshop series covered foodshared with her dietician.4-H curriculum; it is trendy, current, and to build capacity growing fresh vege- 2018 program.best practices and learned new skills insafety, reading and understanding foodWe are continuing to serve communityrelatable. From a library standpoint, it is tables. Growing sites include schools,The Food Justice AmeriCorps VISTAengaging people through participatoryfacts, meal planning, MyPlate, andmembers in Hartford, and providealways a blessing to have a quality program community centers and capped brownProject service program built organi- decision-making. We had four VISTAportion control. We made our own spiceseducational outreach programs that helpthat centers around a particular story or fields. Partners provide healthy food andzational capacity in community foodservice members in Bridgeport. Hostto substitute Adobo, Sazn, and a miximprove nutrition and health outcomes.book that comes to us fully prepared and train underserved, diverse audiences insecurity and food justice. Food justiceorganizations were: the Bridgeportof herbs and spices for soups to controlOur EFNEP program also works withready to go. Partnering with UConn 4-H is farming. helps communities grow, market, andFarmers Market Collaborative,sodium intake. In another workshopother communities statewide to help oura win-win for us! HEUConn Extension offered two urbaneat healthy foods. Our partners empow- CTCOREOrganize Now!, Greenwe made a quick and easy lasagna usingresidents. HEagriculture courses in Bridgeport,ered their communities through foodVillage Initiative, and at Housatonicspinach and zucchini. Community College. HE32 2019 HIGHLIGHTS OF EXTENSION 2019 HIGHLIGHTS OF EXTENSION 33'