Shared Soil

Kendall and Rebecca talk with Jeremy Fowler, Public Affairs Specialist at the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) in New Hampshire about how farmers and forest landowners can utilize voluntary conservation planning and assistance from NRCS. They discuss the process of applying, the different programs NRCS offers as a non-regulatory agency, and the technical and financial benefits they offer.

 Jeremy Fowler Jeremy Fowler, Public Affairs Specialist at NRCS NH.

Show Notes:

NRCS, NH: https://www.nrcs.usda.gov/NewHampshire

Jeremy Fowler: [email protected]

USDA’s Farm Service Agency (FSA) in New Hampshire: https://www.fsa.usda.gov/state-offices/new-hampshire

N.H. Association of Conservation Districts (NHACD): https://www.nhacd.net/

EQIP in New Hampshire: https://www.nrcs.usda.gov/NewHampshire/Programs/EQIP

CSP in New Hampshire: https://www.nrcs.usda.gov/NewHampshire/Programs/CSP

ACEP in New Hampshire: https://www.nrcs.usda.gov/NewHampshire/Programs/ACEP

NRCS, N.H. Success Story (Maple Production): https://www.nrcs.usda.gov/NewHampshire/news/the-sweet-smell-of-syrup-and-saved-fuel

NRCS, N.H. Success Story (Conservation Easement): https://www.nrcs.usda.gov/NewHampshire/news/safe-forever

NRCS, N.H. Success Video Feature (Glove Hollow Christmas Tree Farm): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IUVkcvTy4y0

NRCS, N.H. Forestry Work: https://youtu.be/GVVYZS2y2SQ?si=rkCTNlAugZ74tFpD

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BLogQfQA3Q4

Submit a request for Technical Assistance:

Kendall and Rebecca talk with UNH Plant Genetics Researcher Chris Hernandez about what a cucurbit is; the production, breeding, and classification of pumpkins and squash, and some of the ongoing challenges for today’s growers.

Show notes:  

Chris Hernandez: [email protected]

Cucurbit: any vining crop belonging to the plant family Cucurbitaceae, which includes pumpkins, squash, melons, and cucumbers.

Growing Pumpkins: https://extension.unh.edu/blog/2019/05/how-can-i-successfully-grow-my-own-pumpkins-halloween

Soil Testing Services: https://extension.unh.edu/agriculture-gardens/pest-disease-growing-tools/soil-testing-services

Extension Yard and Garden Info Line: https://extension.unh.edu/agriculture-gardens/yard-garden or 1-877-398-4769

UNH Cucurbits Breeding and Genetics Program: https://colsa.unh.edu/resource/cucurbits-breeding-genetics-program

Dill’s Atlantic Giant and Growing Giant Pumpkins: https://cfaes.osu.edu/fact-sheet/growing-giant-pumpkins-home-garden

The Great Pumpkin Commonwealth: https://gpc1.org/

UNH Cooperative Extension: https://extension.unh.edu/

Kendall Kunelius – [email protected]  

Rebecca Dube – [email protected]  

Kendall and Rebecca visit the Hopkinton Fair to highlight how 4-H helps young people build confidence, practical skills, and community. Featuring interviews with leaders and exhibitors, the episode explores hands-on learning, livestock projects, and the lasting impact 4-H has on youth and their families.

Show notes:  

New Hampshire 4-H: https://extension.unh.edu/new-hampshire-4-h/about/join-new-hampshire-4-h

Tractor Rascals Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61572661066549

https://livestockconservancy.org/tunis-sheep/

UNH Cooperative Extension: https://extension.unh.edu/

Kendall Kunelius – [email protected]  

Rebecca Dube – [email protected]  

UNH Extension's Women in Ag programming and the Beginner Farmer Program collaborate with Annie's Project to empower women farmers. Kelly McAdam and Doris Mold share insights with Kendall and Rebecca on Annie's Project, which focuses on risk management and financial literacy for women in agriculture.

Show notes:  

Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations: https://www.fao.org/home/en

International Year of the Woman Farmer: https://www.fao.org/woman-farmer-2026/en

UNH Extension Women in Agriculture Program: https://extension.unh.edu/agriculture-gardens/farmer-support-networks/women-agriculture

UNH Extension Beginner Farmer Program: https://extension.unh.edu/agriculture-gardens/farmer-support-networks/beginning-farmers

Kelly McAdam: [email protected]

Doris Mold: [email protected]

Annie’s Project: anniesproject.org

2022 Census of Agriculture for New Hampshire: https://www.nass.usda.gov/Publications/AgCensus/2022/Full_Report/Volume_1,_Chapter_1_State_Level/New_Hampshire/

YouTube Video – What Can the US Census of Agriculture tell us about women farmers in the USA?: https://www.nass.usda.gov/Publications/AgCensus/2022/Full_Report/Volume_1,_Chapter_1_State_Level/New_Hampshire/

New England Farm Land Finder: https://newenglandfarmlandfinder.org/

Annie’s Project Course Know Your Numbers, Know Your Options: https://anniesproject.org/know-your-numbers-know-your-options/

The Center for Farm Financial Management: Interpreting Financial Statements and Measures: https://ifsam.cffm.umn.edu/Home.aspx?c=602

FINBIN: Financial Database of Farm Data: https://finbin.umn.edu/

UVM Farm Labor Dashboard: https://www.uvm.edu/aglabor/dashboard/

UNH Cooperative Extension: https://extension.unh.edu/

Kendall Kunelius – [email protected]  

Rebecca Dube – [email protected]  

Kendall and Rebecca discuss the significance of agricultural fairs in New Hampshire with 4-H staff Hannah Majewski and Janell George, highlighting the educational and community aspects of fairs where 4-H members showcase their projects and learn valuable skills.

Show notes:  

Janell George, Rockingham County 4-H Program Assistant and NH State Fairs Liaison - [email protected]

Hannah Majewski, NH 4-H Animal Science Field Specialist

The Big E Fair - https://www.thebige.com/

Vermont and New Hampshire Fair Association – vtnhfairs.org

List of New Hampshire Fairs - https://www.vtnhfairs.org/copy-of-fairs-1

Farm, Forest and Garden Expo - https://www.nhfarmandforestexpo.org/

NH Sheep and Wool Festival - https://nhswga.org/nh-sheep-wool-festival/

New Hampshire 4-H - https://extension.unh.edu/new-hampshire-4-h

4-H Pledge:

"I pledge my head to clearer thinking, my heart to greater loyalty, my hands to larger service, and my health to better living, for my club, my community, my country, and my world."

UNH Cooperative Extension: www.extension.unh.edu

Women in Ag Newsletter signup - https://unhoutreach.tfaforms.net/217751?CID=701G0000001AiKCIA0  

Kendall Kunelius – [email protected]  

Rebecca Dube – [email protected]  

Kendall and Rebecca talk with Christa Howe of Christa's Christmas Tree Farm in Colebrook, NH about the year-round work involved in Christmas tree farming. Christa notes her journey into the business, the long growth cycle of trees, and the importance of both wholesale and retail sales. They discuss seasonal tasks like planting, mowing, shearing, and harvesting, as well as the need for detailed record-keeping and budgeting due to the crop’s long investment period.

Show notes:  

Microsoft Excel: https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/microsoft-365/excel

Google Sheets: https://workspace.google.com/products/sheets/

Quickbooks: https://quickbooks.intuit.com/

Google Earth: https://earth.google.com/web/

John Deere: https://www.deere.com/en/

UNH Cooperative Extension: www.extension.unh.edu

Women in Ag Newsletter signup - https://unhoutreach.tfaforms.net/217751?CID=701G0000001AiKCIA0  

Kendall Kunelius – [email protected]  

Rebecca Dube – [email protected]  

Kendall and Rebecca discuss haying in New England, emphasizing the importance of timing and quality. Carl Majewski, a forages and field crop specialist, explains the process of making hay, from mowing to baling, and highlights the significance of cutting grass at the right stage for optimal nutritional value. They discuss the benefits of growing grass in New England, and the importance of soil and hay testing to ensure quality feed. Kendall and Carl note the impact of weather on hay production and the need for proper storage and equipment maintenance.

Show notes:  

Carl Majewski: [email protected]

Sarah Allen, Dairy Production State Specialist: [email protected]

Some Hay Testing Options:

Dairy One: https://dairyone.com

Cumberland Valley Forage Lab: https://www.foragelab.com/

Equi-Analytical Hay Analysis: https://equi-analytical.com/

NH County Offices providing hay probes for use:

Hillsborough County – [email protected]

Rockingham County – [email protected]

Merrimack County – [email protected]

Carroll County – [email protected]

Grafton County – [email protected]

Sullivan County – [email protected]

Coos County – [email protected]

Hay Testing Video: https://extension.unh.edu/resource/taking-hay-sample-video

Soil Testing Information and resources: https://extension.unh.edu/agriculture-gardens/pest-disease-growing-tools/soil-testing-services

Upcoming Extension workshops: https://extension.unh.edu/events

UNH Cooperative Extension: www.extension.unh.edu

Women in Ag Newsletter signup - https://unhoutreach.tfaforms.net/217751?CID=701G0000001AiKCIA0  

Kendall Kunelius – [email protected]  

Rebecca Dube – [email protected]  

Kendall Kunelius and Rebecca Dube discuss the dangers of ticks with Extension Diagnostic Service Program Manager Shyloh Favreau. Shyloh notes that ticks are obligate blood feeders that can transmit diseases like Lyme disease and highlights the increasing tick population in New Hampshire, particularly the black-legged tick, and then advises on personal protection measures such as clothing choices and tick checks. Shyloh also introduces UNH's tick testing service, which identifies and tests ticks for pathogens, providing results within three days. The service aims to help individuals make informed medical decisions post-tick bite.

Show notes:
Shyloh Favreau: [email protected] or 603-862-3200

Biology and Management of Ticks in New Hampshire: https://extension.unh.edu/resource/biology-and-management-ticks-new-hampshire-fact-sheet

Center of Disease Control Ticks page: https://www.cdc.gov/ticks/about/index.html

Permethrin on treated clothing – EPA: https://www.epa.gov/insect-repellents/repellent-treated-clothing

UNH Extension Tick Testing page: https://extension.unh.edu/tick-testing

Questions on tick testing email address: [email protected]

UNH Cooperative Extension: www.extension.unh.edu

Women in Ag Newsletter signup - https://unhoutreach.tfaforms.net/217751?CID=701G0000001AiKCIA0  

Kendall Kunelius – [email protected]  

Rebecca Dube – [email protected]  

Kendall and Rebecca discuss succession planning in agriculture with Seth Wilner, an Extension specialist with 26 years of experience. Seth defines succession planning as the strategic transfer of farm management and ownership to the next generation, emphasizing its importance in minimizing taxes, reducing family conflict, and ensuring business sustainability. He highlights the need for farmers to start planning early, maintain basic records, and assemble a trusted team of advisors. Seth also stresses the emotional and logistical challenges, particularly when dealing with family dynamics and remote stakeholders. He advocates for patience, grace, and the support of experienced mentors to navigate this complex process.

Show notes:  

Seth Wilner – [email protected]

Farm Credit East – www.farmcrediteast.com

Environmental Mediation Center – www.emcenter.org/nhamp/

Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) - https://www.nrcs.usda.gov/

UNH Cooperative Extension: www.extension.unh.edu

Women in Ag Newsletter signup - https://unhoutreach.tfaforms.net/217751?CID=701G0000001AiKCIA0  

Kendall Kunelius – [email protected]  

Rebecca Dube – [email protected]  

Kendall and Rebecca discuss the experiences of young farmers in New Hampshire with Lindsay Matras, who runs a small dairy and sugaring business, and Gracie Phillips, who manages an organic orchard and educational center. Both farmers share their challenges and successes, highlighting the importance of family influence, the need for diversification, and the impact of technology and community support.

Show notes:  

Lindsay Matras – [email protected]

The Sudsy Cow – www.thesudsycow.com

Matras Maple Sugarhouse & Dairy – www.matrasmaple.com

Gracie Phillips – [email protected]

Heartsong Farm and Lost Nation Orchard – www.heartsongfarmlostnationarchard.com

‘The Apple Guy’ – Michael Phillips - The Apple Grower: A Guide for the Organic Orchardist

NH Food and Agriculture Strategic Plan - https://www.nhfoodalliance.org/new-hampshire-food-agriculture-strategic-plan

Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) - https://www.nrcs.usda.gov/

UNH Cooperative Extension: www.extension.unh.edu

The Little Red Hen Farm & Market - https://www.littleredhenfarm.net/

Women in Ag Newsletter signup - https://unhoutreach.tfaforms.net/217751?CID=701G0000001AiKCIA0  

Kendall Kunelius – [email protected]  

Rebecca Dube – [email protected]