Ecological Growing

170 Fleming Road,Meriden CT 06450

02 April, 2022

Description

Explore how ecological growing can be implemented to support reduced or no pesticide use. Explore how ecological growing can be implemented to support reduced or no pesticide use. Learn how building soil health leverages other natural systems in order to manage pests and environmental challenges. --------------------------------------------------------------------- Presenter Info: Wayne Young is the fourth-generation farmer at High Hill Orchard in Meriden Connecticut, currently growing apples, peaches, pears, and blueberries. His father started this farm, mainly growing apples. In the 1970’s when there were not many options for organic production in the apple industry, Wayne and his father started a journey of self-education in ecological practices. Inspired by the newspaper ‘Acres USA’, which was the voice of eco-agriculture at the time, this father and son team began their journey towards nutrient dense growing. After growing organically for a few years in the 80’s, they now have settled into a happy medium of ecological growing. Wayne is consistently evolving his practices with his main focus on not disturbing the natural biological balance both in the soil and in the trees. Wayne has discovered that by leveraging soil health and encouraging optimization of natural systems, reduced pesticides use can be achieved and pest and environmental challenges can be mitigated. UConn Extension offers in-person training opportunities as well as e-learning tools for new and beginning farmers through the Solid Ground Program.