By Heather Cooper •
Plant & Pest Advisory — Rutgers Cooperative Extension The Plant & Pest Advisory provides seasonal updates focusing on insects, diseases, and weeds of importance to NJ Commercial Growers. Subscribe by Email or RSShttps://plant-pest-advisory.rutgers.edu/contact-information/rss-2/ Production and Pesticide Recommendations on this site are for commercial operators and are NOT forhome gardener use. Find home gardening information at […]
By Heather Cooper •
As we are moving toward the new year, now is the time to think about the new minimum wage for agricultural workers. Starting January 1, 2026, the minimum wage is $14.20 for agricultural workers and$15.92 for regular workers. These wages will continue to increase over the next few years. If you are using H2-A workers, […]
By Heather Cooper •
Rutgers Today Media Contact – October 20, 2025 – Kitta MacPhersonkitta.macpherson@rutgers.edu Imagine a tractor-size machine that can tell the difference between a vegetable and a weed – andthen zaps the unwelcome plant with a laser. It’s not science fiction. It’s being tested in New Jersey byRutgers University scientist Thierry Besançon. He is studying a new […]
By Heather Cooper •
Are you ready to take the next step in developing your food business, but need guidance from expertson how to move forward? Food Business Basics is a unique opportunity for early-stage food entrepreneurs, like yourself, tolearn about developing and growing your business. As an attendee, you will be in front of those whoare in-the-know about […]
By Heather Cooper •
The Call for 2026 Northeast SARE Farmer Grant applications is nowavailable. Awards of up to $30,000 are available, depending on thecomplexity of a project. Proposals are due no later than 5:00 p.m. EST onDecember 9, 2025. The NJSARE Coordinator is Stephen Komar,Agricultural Agent in Sussex County and Michelle Infante-Casella is theAssistant Coordinator for SARE in […]
By Heather Cooper •
October is the time to renew your pesticide license. There is no charge for private applicators (PP2),but you must go online to renew. There is no fee for the private renewal, but DEP will not accept aninvoice by mail. Look at the top of page two of the following pages for the directions. Growers shouldhave […]
By Heather Cooper •
2025 marks the 20th year of the Rutgers Environmental Steward program, a certificate programoffered through Cooperative Extension for adult volunteers. The program trains volunteers on importantenvironmental issues in New Jersey in areas such as sustainable climate change solutions, stormwater management, and habitat conservation. Trained volunteers then work in their own communitieshelping to improve the environment. […]
By Heather Cooper •
It’s about that time for a reminder… mark your calendars for January 30 – February 1, 2026!Berkeley Oceanfront Hotel in Asbury Park. Attendees can look forward to:
By Heather Cooper •
Plant & Pest Advisory – September 11, 2025 – Tess Stahl State officials are urging backyard poultry owners to strengthen their biosecurity practicesfollowing a Series of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) detections across New Jerseyearlier this year. Between February and May 2025, the New Jersey Department of Agriculture (NJDA) confirmed HPAI ateight locations, including two […]
By Heather Cooper •
WASHINGTON, Sept. 8, 2025— The Trump Administration recently appointedRobert Andrzejczak as the new State Executive Director (SED) for the USDA FarmService Agency (FSA) in New Jersey. Andrzejczak joined the New Jersey FSA teamon Aug. 11, 2025. “When America’s farming communities prosper, the entire nation thrives. This newgroup of USDA appointees will ensure President Trump’s America […]
By Heather Cooper •
‘Core Pesticide Topics in Agriculture’NJDEP Approved Credits [4 units – CORE] [3 units – PP2, 1A, 3A, 10] 1[ unit – 3B, 6B, 8C]Date: 10/20/2025 (Monday)Location: Cumberland Cooperative Extension – Cumberland CountyAddress: 291 Morton Ave. Millville, NJ 08332Time: 5:30pm sign-in, 6:00-8:15pm lectures (please arrive prior to 6:00pm)Cost: $30 fee per participant – only cash or […]
By Heather Cooper •
This is the chance for eligible fresh fruit and vegetable growers to recover some of their expenses for implementing food safety practices on their farms.For 2025: Eligible specialty crop operations can apply for Food Safety Certification for Specialty Crops (FSCSC)by working directly with the local Farm Service Agency office. You may also call 877-508-8364 tospeak […]
By Heather Cooper •
Plant & Pest Advisory – August 21, 2025 – Kate Brown Fall Vegetable Twilight Meeting (REGISTRATION REQUIRED)Norz Hill Farm & Market, LLC., 120 S Branch Rd, Hillsborough Township, NJ 08844Thursday, September 18, 2025 from 4:00 pm to 7:00 pm AGENDA4:00 pm – 4:15 pm Welcome, load wagons, wagon ride to field4:15 pm – 4:45 pm […]
By Heather Cooper •
Conservation Service (NRCS) in New Jersey is now accepting applications for the Agricultural Conservation Easement Program – Wetland Reserve Easements (ACEP-WRE). Applications that meet eligibility and ranking criteria for ACEP-WRE received by October 17, 2025, will be considered for FY2026 funding. ACEP-WRE helps landowners, land trusts, and other entities protect, restore, and enhance wetlands through […]
By Heather Cooper •
Plant & Pest Advisory – August 26, 2025 – Kate Brown The Rutgers Office of Continuing Professional Education will host a course on ‘Spanish for Ag andHorticulture Workforce’ from January16-March 6, 2026. This is an online, self-paced course withapproximately 21hours of course content designed to help participants study conversational Spanishand gain technical vocabulary specific to […]