UMass Extension

UMass Extension, the Massachusetts partner in the national Cooperative Extension System, provides educational outreach opportunities and resources across the state. Programs take many forms but share a common goal: to educate and inform individuals, communities, and businesses on topics of high public priority, utilizing the academic resources of UMass Amherst. The forms may range from an in-depth series of workshops over many weeks, to an online fact sheet or a single twilight meeting on a Massachusetts farm. Extension education was initiated in the Commonwealth in 1909.

Urban Agriculture

Urban Agriculture has a rich history in our state, with roots dating back to the Great Depression and beyond. Over the years, the residents of many cities and towns have benefited from and been witness to the innovation, ingenuity and resourcefulness of urban farmers who are independent entrepreneurs, members of mission-driven organizations, volunteers, and more. The UMass Extension Urban Ag Team is available to address your farming questions and make site visits as needed to urban farms across Massachusetts to advise on how you can best utilize UMass Extension services on a broad range of issues. If you request a visit, they will be in touch with you as soon as possible to determine how they can best answer your questions and arrange for a visit for more detailed information and assistance.

To learn more click here

Vegetable Notes

The UMass Vegetgable Notes are an invaluable tool offering farmers timely updates on weekly’seasonal issues during the growing season with actionable steps. Some include, pest alerts, crop condition updates from across the region, and they also provide updates on news, events, and educational opportunities.

To enroll click here

Fact Sheets

UMass Extension offers a variety of tip sheets for farmers on topics including:

• Business Management
• Cultural Practices
• Diseases
• Food Safety
• Insect & Mite Pests
• Integrated Pest Management
• Post Harvest Handling
• Soil and Nutrient Management
• Vegetable Crops
• Water
• Weeds
• Wildlife Management
• Winter Production

Access fact sheets here