Agricultural Resources

Agriculture in Strafford County includes high-value commodities such as greenhouse and garden center operations, field cut flower operations, vegetable farms, orchards, and dairy, livestock and forage operations. The total value of agriculture in Strafford County accounts for $9,912,000, excluding the value of landscaping operations (Census of Agriculture, 2007).

Strafford County Cooperative Extension agriculture program provides education and research based information to assist agricultural businesses to continue to be economically and environmentally sustainable. This contributes to the overall economy of Strafford County and also provides the locally grown food and open space which helps support tourism and increases the value of homes and businesses in the county.

Geoffrey Njue, Extension Educator Agricultural Resources provides:

• Workshops and hands on demonstrations to agricultural producers and home gardeners on all aspects of production.
• One on one site visits to commercial agricultural producers to help trouble shoot problems and provide recommendations on nutrient and pest management for their crops.
• One on one site visits to municipal and school athletic fields help trouble shoot problems and provide recommendations on turf nutrient and pest management.
• Provides one on one phone or e-mail consultations to commercial growers on any crop production concerns
• Provides one on one phone or e-mail consultations to homeowners on any gardening and lawn care concerns.
• Helps with identification and control recommendations for plant diseases, insect pests and weeds for walk in clients.
• Reviews soil tests and answers client questions
• Coordinates Master Gardener volunteers

Publications:

• Choosing a home Garden site
• 10 steps to Success with your Vegetable Garden
• Training and Pruning Young Apple and Pear Trees
• Care of the Mature Backyard Apple Tree
• Dwarf Apple Trees for Home Gardens
• Home Fruit Spray Schedule
• Growing Highbush Blueberries
• Growing Raspberries & Blackberries
• Improving Pastures and Hayfields
• A New Hampshire Plant Palette

Forms:

• Soil Testing Forms
• Insect Identification Form
• Plant Problem Identification Form

Other Resources:

• Seed Germination Chart
• Soil Testing Information
• Home & Garden Fact Sheets
• Greenhouse, Nursery, Landscape & Turf Newsletter
• Vegetable, Berry & Tree Fruit Newsletter
• Integrated Pest Management (IPM) Newsletter
• NH Fruit Growers Association
• NH Plant Growers Association
• NH Farm Bureau
• New England Vegetable & Fruit Conference
• New England Greenhouse Conference
• New England Grows Green Industry Trade Show/Conference