Agriculture is life – and good business for Connecticut and the community. Ag Day at the Capitol in Hartford, part of national events to celebrate agriculture, connected people and business and legislators with the importance of this facet of the economy in Connecticut.

For instance, at one booth, Dr. Michael Darre, professor of poultry science at University of Connecticut, shared his knowledge of poultry from egg recipes, nutrition and more.
Darre is also the extension poultry specialist for Connecticut and New England, responsible for all adult and youth extension poultry programs. For the commercial poultry industry, he works primarily with the layer industry, broiler breeders and turkey producers on production and management – and organizes and runs the New England Turkey Growers Conference, the New England-New York Poultry Pest Management Conference, and co-organizes the New England Poultry Health Conference each year. Major programs for 4-H and youth include a “incubation and embryology project” plus poultry showmanship. And much of his time is devoted to providing information and help to part-time/backyard poultry producers.

One person, one booth – interconnected in serving as a valuable resource to many people and communities across the region.

People at the event ranged from Governor Dannel Malloy, who also sampled a range of products produced in Connecticut, to legislators, the general public and schoolchildren on tour.

The mission of buyCTgrown is to bring Connecticut's 4,000 farms and what they offer from fruits and vegetables to meats, dairy and seafood; honey to maple syrup; wines and cheese to “support and encourage agricultural enterprises” and contribute to the health and viability of this vital part of Connecticut's economy.

Agriculture is what grows, feeds, fuels humans and the lives they lead.

More photos from Ag Day at the Capitol.

Two noteworthy events coming up: A conference on Thursday, March 31, organized by the Connecticut Farm Bureau Association (CFBA), will bring people together to discuss the fundamentals of municipal planning and zoning and help educate attendees on how they can work to support local agriculture. The second annual conference will cover fundamentals of planning and zoning and discuss effective strategies to encourage agricultural growth in municipalities.

Southern New England 4-H Poultry Show & Showmanship Contest is Saturday, April 2, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., at University of Connecticut, Storrs campus. More information available at www.web.uconn.edu/.