A Successful Start: Recapping the Inaugural UConn Extension Diversified Livestock Conference

June 2026

MacKenzie White, Diversified Livestock Extension Specialist, UConn Extension

When I began my role in November of 2024 as the Diversified Livestock Extension Specialist for UConn Extension, my primary goal was to focus on building the Diversified Livestock Extension program through meaningful engagement with Connecticut livestock producers. To better understand producers’ needs, I conducted a series of listening sessions across the state, both in person and virtually. These sessions provided valuable opportunities for producers to share with me their concerns, ideas, and priorities while helping establish trust and strong working relationships. A recurring theme from these discussions was the need for a statewide conference or event dedicated to Connecticut livestock producers, as current educational and networking opportunities are more commonly available at the regional level than within the state. Despite planning only starting months before, the inaugural event on May 21st came together seamlessly with the support of an outstanding planning committee (Rachel Bespuda, Jake Levin, Dr. Indu Upadhyaya, and myself) and UConn Extension staff. The conference was planned to foster collaboration and facilitate learning, all while providing plenty of networking opportunities for everyone. What truly made the conference a success, was the enthusiasm and participation of the speakers, trade show vendors, and attendees. The energy throughout the day was inspiring and reinforced the value of bringing Connecticut's livestock community together.

The morning kicked off with warm and welcoming remarks from Connecticut’s Commissioner of Agriculture, Bryan Hurlburt. After that we jumped right into the full agenda starting with Jake Levin’s presentation on meat processing and the importance of developing a strong relationship with your processor. Next, Connecticut grazing livestock producers, Jennie Kapszukiewicz and Nick Weinstock, shared their unique on-farm experiences during an interactive session focused on the practical application of grazing technology. They demonstrated tools, techniques, and creative solutions that have helped improve efficiency and reduce labor demands on their farms. Dr. Indu Upadhyaya talked all about poultry with us. She provided a practical overview of small-scale poultry production in Connecticut, guiding participants from initial setup through safe and profitable operation. Her presentation covered key regulatory requirements and food safety practices essential for producing high-quality poultry products. The main session concluded with an engaging panel featuring three accomplished female sheep producers, including some who balance multiple roles in Connecticut Agriculture. Judith Hooper (Grass Hill Farm), Dr. Erin Masur (Sheep Rock Vet & Fork You Farms), and Erin Pirro (Pirro Farm) shared their expertise while addressing questions about the challenges, opportunities, and strategies for growth and long-term sustainability in Connecticut sheep farming. A smaller group of folks stayed for the excellent post conference session with UVM Extension Global Sensory Expert, Roy Desrochers. Not only did participants get to taste local products, but they got to learn the basics of tasting, options for effective product taste tests, and how to integrate flavor quality information into marketing efforts to increase sales on their farm.

Throughout the day, attendees had multiple opportunities to connect with one another and engage with the outstanding vendors featured in the trade show. The trade show highlighted a wide range of incredible programs, resources, and services available to livestock producers across Connecticut and the surrounding region. One of the trade show highlights was the New England Mobile Slaughter Unit, which was on display for producers to see firsthand. I am incredibly grateful to the many service providers, organizations, and business owners whose participation and support helped make this inaugural event a success. Special thanks also go to the Reaching Communities with UConn Extension Fund, the Linda Brughelli Fund for Excellence in Extension Services, and Farm Credit East for their generous financial support, which helped turn this vision into reality.

Above all, I hope this event strengthened connections among stakeholders, increased awareness of the services and resources offered by UConn Extension and our partner organizations and laid the groundwork for continued collaboration and growth within Connecticut’s livestock industry. As one producer shared, “The conference itself was absolutely awesome! I learned so much, and it was wonderful to meet the vendors as well as see many new faces - I felt like I might actually be part of a larger community of Connecticut growers and farmers.” That sentiment captures exactly what I had hoped to achieve. I am excited not only for the future of this conference, but for the continued growth and impact of the Diversified Livestock Extension Program as a whole.