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: chris.hernandez@unh.edu

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 – kendall.kunelius@unh.edu

Rebecca Dube – rebecca.dube@unh.edu

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 – kendall.kunelius@unh.edu

Rebecca Dube – rebecca.dube@unh.edu

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: kelly.mcadam@unh.edu

Doris Mold: doris@anniesproject.org

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 – kendall.kunelius@unh.edu

Rebecca Dube – rebecca.dube@unh.edu