By Heather Cooper •
Wes Kline Annual crop reporting has not been a tradition for some vegetable growers. Why is reporting important? The United States Department of Agriculture and other federal agencies are now relaying more on these reports for disaster and other program payments to determine eligibility. Recently it has become very difficult for some producers to be […]
By Heather Cooper •
Horse enthusiasts are invited to participate in this semester-long online Equine Science courseoffered in two different formats by the Rutgers Department of Animal Sciences. Don’t miss your chance to take the reins on your horse’s nutrition, even amid the holiday hustle! Equine Nutrition Online Coursehttps://cpe.rutgers.edu/equine-nutrition Do you have a passion for horses and a desire […]
By Heather Cooper •
Wes Kline, Agricultural Agent Time is running out to apply for the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Food Safety Certification for Specialty Crops (FSCSC) program for 2025 which opened Jan. 1, 2025, and runs through Jan. 31, 2026. The program has been expanded to include medium-sized businesses in addition to small businesses. Eligible specialty crop […]
By Heather Cooper •
The next Green Infrastructure Champions Training Program will be offered every other Friday from 10AM to 12NOON starting January 9, 2026! All sessions for the 2026 training program will be offered via an online format for FREE.Registration is required and is OPEN at water.rutgers.edu! Here is what we can offer as part of the training […]
By Heather Cooper •
Plant & Pest Advisory – July 27, 2025 – Andy Wyenandt Symptoms usually begin to appear on random plants throughout the field as green fruit begins tomature. The bacterium (Pseudomonas corrugata) is ubiquitous to soils and develops when weatherconditions (cooler nights/very hot, humid days) and cultural practices (i.e., excess heavy N use) leadto favorable conditions […]
By Heather Cooper •
Plant & Pest Advisory – July 23, 2025 – Andy Wyenandt Angular leaf spot, caused by the bacterium (Pseudomonas syringae pv. lachrymans), is common inNew Jersey and the region. Although it often shows up during cooler, wet weather; it can show upalmost anytime during the production season with favorable weather conditions for its development.Angular leaf […]
By Heather Cooper •
The Rutgers Food Innovation Center (FIC) invites you to a complimentary virtual event designed specifically for established and emerging food companies navigating today’s dynamic food landscape. Food Business Basics – Monday, May 12, 2025 – 9:00am – 1:30pmLocation: Virtual – Registration Fee: Complimentary, $0.00 Register at: https://ce-catalog.rutgers.edu/coursedisplay.cfm?schID=94761 This virtual half-day program provides expert guidance from […]
By Heather Cooper •
Wes Kline The new year is upon us and what does this mean for agriculture in our region? Now is the time to thinkabout what changes you should make in your operation for the coming year. This may mean changingcrops, getting new equipment, planting more or cutting back. Whatever do not wait to the last […]
By Heather Cooper •
Contact: FPAC.BC.Press@usda.gov Saratoga Springs, N.Y., Sept. 21, 2024 – The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is announcing the launch of the Distressed Borrowers Assistance Network, an initiative designed to provide personalized support to financially distressed farmers and ranchers across the nation. Through a series of Cooperative Agreements, this national network will connect distressed borrowers with […]
By Heather Cooper •
Plant and Pest Advisory – Andy Wyenandt – September 13, 2024 Tomato spotted wilt virus (TSWV) has caused significant problems for some fresh-market tomato andpepper growers in New Jersey the past few growing seasons. Although not uncommon, economiclosses these past few years have been extensive on some farms. TSWV is vectored by various species of […]
By Heather Cooper •
Plant and Pest Advisory – Kate Brown – 7/21/24 The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has created anEmployerChecklist for Outdoor and Indoor Heat-Related Injury and Illness Preventionwhich may be utilized to identify sources of heat hazards in the workplace and respond effectively.Section1 of the checklist is designed to help employers recognize job-related heat risks […]
By Heather Cooper •
Gabor.Grunstein@usda.gov All counties eligible for disaster recovery assistance Hamilton Square, New Jersey, July 26, 2024 – The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is acceptingapplications for the Emergency Conservation Program (ECP) and the Emergency Forest RestorationProgram (EFRP) from New Jersey agricultural producers and owners of nonindustrial private forestlandto address damage from recent severe storms that occurred […]
By Heather Cooper •
Plant & Pest Advisory- May 9, 2024- Kate Brown The New Jersey Legislature is currently reviewing identical bills (A3521/S2422) which would establish an occupational heat stress standard and “Occupational Heat-Related Illness and Injury Prevention Program” under the NJ Department of Labor and Workforce Development. As we monitor the progress of these bills, the Farm Health […]
By Heather Cooper •
Risk FactorsDirect exposure to sunHigher humidity in the fieldsUsing heavy work clothes & equipment Signs & Symptoms HEAT EXHAUSTION HEATSTROKE WHAT TO DOHEAT EXHAUSTION Move to a cool placeLoosen clothesPut cool, wet cloths on or take cool bathSip waterIf throwing up, symptoms worsen or last longer than an hour, get medical help! HEAT STROKECall 911 […]
By Heather Cooper •
Kris Holmstrom – Plant and Pest Advisory Many weather stations on the NEWA network except for typical colder sites in northern NewJersey have surpassed 250 growing degree days (GDD) base 39˚F. 39˚F is close to the lowerdevelopmental temperature (38.3˚ F) which our colleagues at Penn State recommend for predictingthe first emergence of ALM adults. In […]