The end of summer and start of autumn are a wonderful time at the NH Agricultural Experiment Station research farms, and each year we are excited to welcome our stakeholder communities to visit our farms and learn about the locally inspired research, discoveries and people that move our state and region forward through science. This year is no different!

Our August 17 event is organized with our partners, the Durham and Lee Agricultural Commissions and Granite State Dairy Promotion. At 10 a.m. to noon at the UNH Kingman Research Farm, visitors of all ages will have an opportunity to learn about the research happening at the facility, and even sit in one the different types of tractors and equipment used to support NHAES agricultural and forestry research across the many UNH research farms and woodlands.

UNH Fairchild Dairy Research and Teaching Center and the UNH Teaching High Tunnels

From 10 a.m.–4 p.m., you can visit the UNH Fairchild Dairy Research and Teaching Farm, where the NHAES is co-hosting with the Granite State Dairy Promotion the annual UNH Open Barn day. This is an opportunity to meet the scientists and cows that team up to develop innovative advances for New Hampshire’s dairy industry, learn about Granite State dairy farms and enjoy local milk (original and chocolate) and ice cream. As part of Farm Day, there will be a 2 p.m. guided tour of the research dairy.

Lastly, at 1 p.m., there will be a guided tour of the UNH Teaching High Tunnels, which support the UNH Farm to You program—a year-long hands-on course during which students are able to learn the many facets of horticultural food production in northern New England. The tour will also include a stop at the inaugural COLSA Community Gardens, where students from across the world can grow a diversity of crops. The UNH Teaching High Tunnels are located next to the UNH Fairchild Dairy Research and Teaching Farm.

Hope to see you on the farm and thank you for your continued support of locally inspired research, discovery and innovation that supports New Hampshire’s lives, livelihoods and landscapes!

Anton Bekkerman

Director, NH Agricultural Experiment Station

New Agroforestry Project Studies Integration of Farming and Forests



How can New England, one of the nation’s most forested regions, produce more local, sustainable food while maintaining those forests’ many benefits? That's the question that Station scientist Heidi Asbjornsen will answer in a new project studying integrating crop and animal farming in forested areas for enhanced food production, carbon sequestration and climate resilience. The project, called Promoting Climate-Smart Sustainable Agriculture in New England through Regionally Adapted Agroforestry Systems (ADAPT), is funded with a $10 million grant from the United States Department of Agriculture. Learn about the different research components of this five-year project.

Optimizing Lumpfish Rearing

Salmon farms have been an important part of the northeast U.S. aquaculture industry for over 50 years, but the parasitic crustacean sea lice have been a million-dollar problem for salmon farmers who may not be able to sell infected fish. Integrating lumpfish—a cleaner fish that naturally feeds on sea lice off salmon—into aquaculture farms can provide a sustainable mitigation strategy, but this species can be aggressive toward other, younger lumpfish, which can reduce the strategy’s effectiveness. Research led by NHAES scientist Elizabeth Fairchild found that lumpfish hatcheries can reduce such behavior by altering light conditions and fish densities inside tanks. Read about other findings from the team's study into lumpfish rearing practices.

The INSPIRED Water Quality & Management Research Report is Here!

Download the digital version today!

New Hampshire’s freshwater bodies play a vital role in supporting the state’s hydroelectric power, ecosystems, tourism, and recreation, contributing over $200 million from recreational fishing alone. As climate change and urbanization impact these natural water systems, NHAES researchers are pioneering methods to assess water quality and develop sustainable management solutions. By leveraging new technologies and extensive data, their discoveries aim to keep New Hampshire’s waters resilient. Read more about these advancements in the 2024 Water Quality & Management Report.

• Buckwheat is having a moment. Here’s what to know and how to use it. – Boston Globe
• New study shows how much consumers are willing to pay to treat water to remove PFAS – WMUR9
• New research shows NH residents are willing to pay around $150 yearly for PFAS remediation – NH Public Radio
• New research shows NH residents are willing to pay around $150 yearly for PFAS remediation – NH Business Review
• Researchers seek to optimise lumpfish rearing protocols – thefishsite.com
• Light and density adjustments reduce lumpfish aggressiveness: study – Hatchery International
• Can Duckweed Be Used For Good On The Farm? – Growing Produce
• Using Duckweed as a Green Manure – Morning Ag Clips
• NHAES INSPIRED Water Quality & Management Report – Morning Ag Clips

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