HARTFORD, CT — With Connecticut expecting its first extreme heat event of the year followed by the Memorial Day holiday weekend, the Connecticut Department of Agriculture is urging pet and livestock owners to take proactive steps to keep animals safe. Early-season heat can be especially dangerous due to the lack of seasonal temperature acclimation. Holiday gatherings add risks such as fireworks, travel, and access to unsafe foods.

(HARTFORD, CT) – Governor Ned Lamont today announced that he is planning to release $22.5 million from Connecticut’s recently created Federal Cuts Response Fund to provide immediate relief to the state’s dairy farmers.

(HARTFORD, CT) – The 2026 Passport to Connecticut Wine Country programs begins Friday, May 1, opening another season of visiting Connecticut’s farm wineries, collecting stamps, and entering for a chance to win prizes. Residents and out-of-state visitors are invited to travel the state, enjoy locally grown wines, and discover new stops along this year’s expanded trail.

(Manchester, CT) – Lt. Governor Susan Bysiewicz today joined the Connecticut Department of Children and Families (DCF), the Connecticut Department of Agriculture (DOAG) and animal welfare advocates to commemorate Child Abuse Awareness Month and Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Month and highlight the proactive work being done among Connecticut state agencies to cross report accounts of animal cruelty for assessment and possible investigation to determine the safety of children in households where these reports have occurred.  

HARTFORD, CT — As riders gear up to travel to trail rides and competitions with their horses, the Connecticut Department of Agriculture (CT DoAg) and the State Veterinarian are urging horse owners to tighten biosecurity practices and make sure vaccinations are given on schedule.

(HARTFORD, CT) – As spring settles across Connecticut, farmers, growers, and farm‑based businesses are opening their gates for a new season of color, flavor, and family‑friendly fun. The Connecticut Department of Agriculture encourages residents to explore all that CT Grown has to offer—from armfuls of fresh flowers to garden-ready plants, and memorable Mother’s Day outings. Many farms, farm stands, markets, and wineries have launched their spring hours, making this the perfect time to plan a visit.

Great Barrington, MA–Berkshire Agricultural Ventures (BAV) is pleased to announce that it has received a $242,000 planning grant under the USDA's Regional Food System Partnerships (RFSP) Program. BAV is one of just seven organizations nationwide to be awarded a 2026 grant.

HARTFORD, CT — A farmer whose commitment to soil health, community partnerships, and year-round diversified food production has reshaped a corner of southeastern Connecticut was honored today at Ag Day at the Capitol. Baylee Drown, owner of Long Table Farm in Lyme, has been named the 2026 Connecticut Outstanding Young Farmer of the Year.

(HARTFORD, CT) – The Connecticut Department of Agriculture (CT DoAg) today announced the latest round of Agricultural Enhancement Grant awards. A total of $503,531 will be distributed to 21 recipients across the state to directly impact or foster industry viability. This year’s application period drew strong interest with 37 submissions requesting more than one million dollars in support.

HARTFORD, CT — Join the Connecticut Department of Agriculture (CT DoAg) in celebrating Connecticut Agriculture Week from March 15-21, 2026. This week highlights the vital role agriculture plays in our daily lives. Agriculture contributes $4 billion dollars each year to the state’s economy. Connecticut is home to 5,000 farm businesses that work more than 370,000 acres and provide jobs for nearly 30,000 people in our state.