UNH Gets Nearly $250K Grant To Help With Tomato ResearchDurham, n.h. — University of New Hampshire researchers have received a three-year grant for nearly $250,000 to expand research to improve nutrient and pest management in tomato production.

UNH grows tomatoes in high tunnels — greenhouse-like structures used to extend the growing season and increase crop quality and yields without increasing cultivated land area.

There are more than 2,000 growers in northern New England and surrounding states that produce tomatoes in-ground in high tunnels.

The project will take place at the New Hampshire Agricultural Experiment Station’s Woodman Horticultural Research Farm, Grafton County Farm in North Haverhill, and the University of Maine’s Highmoor Farm in Monmouth.

Farmers Go for the Gold In 2nd Annual Farmer Olympics Vershire — As the summer Olympics gets underway in Rio, teams of farmers will be going for the gold in their own Olympics in Vermont.

The second annual Farmer Olympics takes place on Tuesday at Broad Acres Farm in Vershire.

Contestants will compete in events such as electric fence limbo, hay bale toss, a shoveling relay and other field skill competitions.

The Northeast Organic Farming Association of Vermont is hosting the event and said it’s a chance for farmers to take a mid-season break and enjoy some healthy competition.

The teams must consist of four to five people and members must be part of the farm crew or staff of an agricultural organization or business. Multiple farms may also create a joint team.

Teams are asked to register online at www.nofavt.org/events/farmer-olympics.

— Wire reports