HARTFORD, Conn. — The annual event known as Connecticut Agricultural Day returned to the State Capitol on the first day of spring.
The day is dedicated to celebrating farms across the state, or as Agriculture Commissioner Bryan Hurlburt said, “from the ground to the sound.”
The main floor of the State Capitol was full of exhibitors and students focused on the varied spectrum of farming across Connecticut.
"It opens my eyes to just how many people are just like me that are so passionate about agriculture," said Jeyla Lantigua, a senior at Shepaug Valley High School in Washington, Conn.
Amira Gordon, a sophomore at Lyman Hall High School in Wallingford, said, “I find it very inspiring because I get to see a lot of these adults who are trying to inspire others and seeing all the different fields you can be in.”
The day was also dedicated to recognizing veteran-owned farms in Connecticut. Retired Marine Sergeant Jared McCool, who owns Steadfast Farms in Bethlehem, was included in the spotlight. He was honored as the outstanding young farmer for 2024.
According to Hurlburt, what Connecticut Agricultural Day does best is plant seeds for the future.
“[Farming in Connecticut] goes back hundreds of years and our job at the ag department is to make sure its viable for the next hundred years," Hurlburt said.
Jimmy Altman is a reporter at FOX61 News. He can be reached at jaltman@fox61.com. Follow him on Facebook, X and Instagram.
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