Field, Forage, and Livestock Edition - Rutgers Plant & Pest Advisory

North Jersey Tree Fruit and Vegetable Twilight Meeting

Wed, 08 Apr 2026 20:54:15 GMT

North Jersey Tree Fruit and Vegetable Twilight Meeting

Supported by

New Jersey Vegetable Growers Association

April 30, 202

4:30 PM-7:30 PM

Ort Farms

25 Bartley Rd.

Long Valley, NJ 07853

4:15 PM – Registration and Tour of Farmers Market

4:30 PM – Wagon Tour of the Farm

5:00 PM – Light Dinner (Sponsored by NJ Vegetable Growers Association)

5:30 PM – Proper Pesticide Handling, Personal Protective Equipment and Record Keeping

Janine Spies PhD, State Fruit IPM Program Leader, Rutgers NJAES

6:00 PM – Tree Fruit Insect and Disease Update

Kaitlin Quinn, North Jersey Tree Fruit IPM Program Associate, Rutgers NJAES

6:30 PM – Key Management Decisions to Minimize Disease, and Pest Pressure while Enhancing Yield in Strawberry Production

Peter Nitzsche, Agriculture and Natural Resources Agent I, Rutgers NJAES

7:00 PM – Managing Thrips in Vegetable Crops

Amanda Quadrel, North Jersey Vegetable IPM Senior Program Coordinator, Rutgers NJAES

The following pesticide recertification credits will be awarded

1 Unit CORE 3 Units 1A 3 Units 10 3 Units PP2

Please RSVP for the meeting by April 27 with a call to:

Kim Crommelin at 908.788.1338 or kfrey@co.hunterdon.nj.us

How Recent Fertilizer Price Increases Affect Your Per-Acre Costs

Seowoo Sophie Lee — Sun, 05 Apr 2026 20:09:33 +0000

Recent increases in fertilizer prices, especially for nitrogen-based inputs, are raising production costs. This article summarizes recent price trends in our region and provides a simple worksheet for you to calculate your own cost of production.

1. Increase in recent fertilizer prices

March 30 vs. Mid-February

Urea: +40%
Liquid nitrogen 32%: +29%
DAP (18-46-0): +5%
MAP (11-52-0): +5%
Potash: +3%

March 2026 vs. March 2025

Urea: +38%
Liquid nitrogen 32%: +53%
DAP (18-46-0): +4%
MAP (11-52-0): +8%
Potash: +4%

2. Translating fertilizer prices into production costs

Fertilizer prices are typically reported in dollars per ton, but farmers apply fertilizer in pounds per acre. To translate market prices into on-farm costs, the price per ton is first converted to a price per pound by dividing by 2,000 (the number of pounds in a ton). This per-pound price is then multiplied by the application rate (in pounds per acre) to calculate fertilizer cost per acre.

Fertilizer cost per acre = fertilizer price per ton / 2000 * application rate.

You can find a worksheet to calculate your total fertilizer costs on the Rutgers Farm Management website (Link here).

Fruit IPM Updates Week of 3/30/2026

Sat, 04 Apr 2026 14:03:12 GMT

Tree Fruit Phenology Update

Tree fruit phenology is progressing across New Jersey, with development in southern counties remaining slightly advanced and northern regions beginning to catch up. Overall, the 2026 season is showing a more compressed phenology window than typical. Warm temperatures this week significantly advanced phenology.

In apples, most varieties have reached tight cluster across the state, with early varieties in southern counties at pink bud. In pears, most varieties are at early white bud to popcorn, with Asian pears more advanced and approaching bloom. Peach varieties have reached pink bud across New Jersey, with nectarines near or in bloom in South Jersey.

Apples

Apple Phenology Update

Apple phenology continues to progress across New Jersey. Observations indicate that northern counties are primarily at tight cluster, while southern counties are at pink bud in early varieties.

This stage marks a critical transition in disease management, particularly for apple scab, powdery mildew, and cedar apple rust, as well as key insect management timings.

Phenology Dates by County (earliest varieties)

County	Green Tip	Tight Cluster	Pink Bud
Cumberland	3/22	3/28	4/3
Gloucester	3/22	3/28	4/3
Burlington	3/22	3/28	4/2
Mercer	3/22	3/28	4/2
Middlesex	3/22	4/1	TBD
Monmouth	3/22	TBD	TBD
Hunterdon	3/22	TBD	TBD
Morris	3/26	TBD	TBD
Warren	3/30	TBD	TBD
Sussex	3/31	TBD	TBD
Bergen	3/22	4/1	TBD

Figure 1: Pink Lady apple variety in pink bud. Gloucester County, NJ. Photo by Katrina DeWitt

Apple Scab

Models

Apple scab models are available through NEWA and RIMpro. These models currently indicate that ascospore maturity is increasing and will continue to rise rapidly over the next several days. Apply fungicides before infection events.

Current Update using the Upper Deerfield Station

~13% maturity on April 1
~15% on April 2
Forecasted to reach 25–40% by April 4–8

Management Considerations

Now that we have reached the tight cluster stage, it is important to select fungicides that target both apple scab and powdery mildew. Manzate is ineffective against powdery mildew. Keep in mind that powdery mildew prefers warm, dry conditions and does not require rainfall to infect. For farms in southern counties that have reached pink stage, it is important to begin targeting cedar apple rust. Manzate is effective against cedar apple rust.

Manzate + single-site fungicide
DMI (FRAC 3) for high pressure
Vangard (FRAC 9; not effective on cedar apple rust)
FRAC 7 (save Aprovia for summer; not effective on cedar apple rust)
Axios (great for scab and powdery mildew; novel FRAC 52)
FRAC 11 (save for summer)
Topsin (limited uses; consider saving for summer; FRAC 1; not effective on cedar apple rust)

Monitor:

NEWA models
Weather/wetting events
Phenology

Early control is critical to avoiding season-long pressure.

Insect Update

Ambrosia Beetle:

Ambrosia beetles have been detected in Burlington, Salem, Gloucester, and Middlesex counties
Activity has not yet been observed further north at this time
Observed activity is low and is not a concern

Continue monitoring traps, particularly in stressed or newly planted blocks, as activity may increase with warming temperatures.

Mating Disruption Timing:

Codling moth (CM) mating disruption should be applied around pink
Growers should begin preparing materials and planning applications now

Summary

Apple phenology is progressing across New Jersey, with northern counties at tight cluster and southern counties at pink bud in early varieties
This stage marks a critical period for apple scab and powdery mildew management, as well as key insect timings
Apple scab ascospore maturity is increasing (~13–15%) and is forecasted to reach 25–40% over the next several days, increasing infection risk
Fungicide applications should be applied prior to infection events, with materials selected to target both scab and powdery mildew
In southern counties at pink, begin targeting cedar apple rust

Pears

Pear Phenology Update

Pear phenology has advanced rapidly across southern New Jersey over the past week. Observations made on April 2 indicate that most European pear varieties are now at early white bud, following cluster separation but prior to petal show, with some blocks progressing into popcorn stage.

Asian pear varieties are more advanced, with many blocks at popcorn stage and approaching bloom.

Figure 2. White bud/popcorn. Asian pear variety phenology. Salem County, NJ. Photo by Katrina DeWitt.

Pear Psylla

Pear psylla activity has been variable across southern New Jersey. Observations from April 2 indicate differences by county:

Salem County: adults and eggs observed
Gloucester County: none observed
Burlington County: no activity observed to date
Mercer County: no activity observed to date

Overall pressure remains relatively low in many orchards. This is likely due, in part, to recent oil applications, particularly where oil was combined with materials such as Esteem, which can suppress egg laying and early population development.

At this stage (white bud to popcorn):

Continue monitoring for adults, eggs, and the onset of nymph hatch
Use beating trays to assess adult activity
Examine developing shoots and leaves for egg presence

Management considerations:

In blocks without prior applications, or where psylla is present, consider a pre-bloom insecticide application
Consider applying particle films such as dormant oil or Surround to deter egg laying
With pre-bloom insecticide applications, softer materials should be used to avoid harming pollinator or beneficial insect populations
In blocks where adults are present at low pressure, insecticide options include Esteem (up to 2 applications 14 days apart), Centaur, or Aza-Direct
In blocks where adults are present at high pressure (more than 4 adults per beating tray), insecticide options include Apta, Assail, or AgriMek
Insecticides should be applied prior to bloom, as use during bloom is restricted due to pollinator protection

As bloom approaches (particularly in Asian pears):

Avoid applications that may impact pollinators
Management focus will shift to early nymph control post-bloom

Pear Diseases

Fire Blight and Early Season Management

As pears approach bloom, fire blight risk will increase significantly, especially given the recent wet conditions and continued rainfall through the weekend. These conditions are favorable for bacterial spread and infection.

As bloom approaches:

Begin planning for antibiotic applications, particularly if warm and wet conditions persist
Kasumin may be used at bloom and petal fall
Streptomycin and oxytetracycline remain key options, particularly post-bloom
Rotate chemistries to support resistance management

Pear Scab

RIMpro modeling for pear scab in Upper Deerfield has indicated low infection risk to date, but conditions are rapidly becoming more favorable for infection.

The primary infection model shows maturing ascospores present and available, with multiple wetting events occurring from late March through early April. These rain events are driving spore release and infection potential, with additional infection periods forecasted in the coming days.

From white bud to popcorn:

Protective fungicide programs should now be in place and maintained, particularly ahead of rain events
Applications of mancozeb or ziram tank-mixed with Procure, Cevya, or Vangard are effective options for scab control
Applications should be made prior to rainfall events, as infections occur during wetting periods
If 2 inches or more of rainfall occur following an application, a follow-up spray should be considered to maintain protection

As we move toward bloom:

Continue programs targeting pear scab, rust diseases, and Fabraea leaf spot
Particular attention should be paid to Asian pear varieties, which are further advanced and at greater risk

Summary

Observations from April 2 indicate most European pears are at early white bud, with some at popcorn stage
Asian pears are at popcorn and approaching bloom
Pear psylla activity remains variable across counties, with adults and eggs observed in Salem County
Reduced pressure in some blocks is likely due to oil applications, with or without Esteem
Where oil was not applied, or psylla is present, pre-bloom insecticide applications should be considered
Insecticide applications must be completed prior to bloom to protect pollinators
Recent and continued rainfall is increasing disease pressure, particularly for pear scab and fire blight
Fungicide programs should be actively maintained, with reapplication needed after significant rainfall (2 inches or more)
Fire blight risk will increase rapidly as bloom approaches, so antibiotic programs should be prepared

Continued scouting is critical over the next 7–10 days as phenology and pest pressure accelerate.

Peaches

Peach Phenology

Peach varieties across New Jersey were observed at the pink bud stage this week. Nectarines are more advanced, with the majority observed near or in bloom in South Jersey. Development is progressing steadily and will continue as temperatures warm.

Brown Rot

Blossom infections from the brown rot fungus can occur whenever pistils are exposed, and favorable environmental conditions are present.

Infections can occur during any wetting period when temperatures are between 41 and 86°F. Optimum conditions occur with wetting and temperatures in the mid-70s. During extended wetting periods (several days or more), blossoms can be infected regardless of temperature. Infections under suboptimal conditions are generally less severe.

Blossoms and fruitlets remain susceptible until the pistil desiccates, which occurs sometime between petal fall and shuck split.

Management Considerations

Fungicides used for control at the blossom blight stage should not overlap with fungicides used in the pre-harvest stage of brown rot
Try to save fungicide options with low pre-harvest intervals for later in the season
Bravo Weather Stik + single-site fungicide
Vangard (applied at pink stage)
Rovral (applied at full bloom)
Flint Extra (applied at petal fall)

Initiate coverage for blossom blight starting at pink for short-petaled varieties and at 5–10% bloom for showy flowers. Refer to the NJ Commercial Tree Fruit Production Guide for recommended materials and rates.

Insect Update

Mating Disruption Timing:

Oriental fruit moth mating disruption should be applied at pink
Growers should begin preparing materials and planning applications now

Scale:

Oil applications may be safely applied up to pink on peach
Oil can be applied alone or in combination with insecticides, including Centaur, Sivanto Prime, and Esteem

Green Peach Aphid:

Scouting should begin at pink stage
Thresholds for treatment are 1 colony/tree in nectarines or 2–3 colonies/tree in peaches

Summary

Observations indicate peaches are at pink bud across New Jersey, with nectarines more advanced and approaching or in bloom in South Jersey
Development is progressing steadily and will accelerate with warming temperatures
Brown rot infection risk is present whenever blossoms are exposed under wet conditions, particularly between 41–86°F
Blossoms remain susceptible through petal fall to shuck split
Fungicide programs should be initiated at pink to early bloom, depending on flower type, while avoiding overlap with pre-harvest materials
Oriental fruit moth mating disruption should be applied at pink; growers should prepare materials now
Oil applications for scale can be made up to pink and may be tank-mixed with labeled insecticides
Green peach aphid scouting should begin at pink, with treatment thresholds of 1 colony/tree in nectarines and 2–3 colonies/tree in peaches

Continued scouting and timely applications will be critical over the next 7–10 days as phenology advances.

Apple Scab Update

Mon, 30 Mar 2026 21:45:34 GMT

Apple Scab Update

Apple scab models are currently forecasting potential infection periods from March 31st-April 2nd. This is based on a green tip date of March 22nd which was observed across the state aside from the most northern counties. Conditions may be optimal for further scab infection events on April 5th-6th. Model outputs are most accurate within 48-72 hours of the date in question,which should be kept in mind when making management decisions. It will be critical for growers to keep an eye on the models to make timely management decisions for optimal disease control. If you have recently applied copper, you will be covered for this infection period. Other effective options include Manzate at 3 lb/A + Syllit at 1.5 pt/A or Manzate at 3 lb/A + Vangardat 3-5 oz/A.

NEWA

The Network for Environment and Weather Applications (NEWA) offers forecasting models for numerous disease and insect pests on a variety of crops including apple scab. This model allows you to select your own weather station or one closest to your farm to get real time information on when apple scab infections may occur. This allows you to make informed management decisions and apply effective fungicides prior to an infection event, which is the ideal timing for optimal disease control. Once you have selected your weather station, you can enter the date you noted green tip on your earliest variety (this will be 3/22 for the majority of NJ this year).

First, you will see the ‘Ascospore Maturity Summary’ chart. This will give you information on ascospore maturity, daily ascospore discharge, and cumulative ascospore discharge. Right now, the most important number to pay attention to is the daily ascospore discharge. The higher the daily ascospore discharge, the more severe the infection event will be. If the daily ascospore discharge is greater than 10%, there will be a significant scab infection event and fungicides should be applied prior to this event for management. If the daily discharge is above 20%, there will be an extreme infection event, and the most efficacious fungicides (DMI + Manzate) should be applied before the infection for control.

The next chart will be the ‘Infection Events Summary’. This will tell you if the weather conditions are optimal for apple scab infection. It includes weather data and tells you if there will be an infection event with the readouts ‘Yes’, ‘Combined’, or ‘No’. This information should be compared with the daily ascospore discharge to determine what efficacy of fungicide should be used for a given infection period.

Apple Scab Management Considerations

If you have not applied copper yet, it should be applied before this upcoming potential infection period March 31st-April 2nd

Copper applied after ½” green can cause phytotoxicity and fruit finish concerns

If you have already applied copper, since this is a low-risk infection period, Manzate at 3 lb/A + Syllit at 1.5 pt/A or Manzate at 3 lb/A plus Vangard at 3-5 oz/A would be sufficient management options

Keep in mind, powdery mildew control begins at tight cluster and cedar apple rust control begins at pink

The DMI fungicides should be saved for tight cluster and later timings since they are some of the best options for powdery mildew and cedar apple rust

Salem County Agronomy Twilight Meeting-1 (May 1, 2026)

Ramandeep Kumar Sharma — Mon, 30 Mar 2026 17:24:04 +0000

SALEM COUNTY AGRONOMY TWILIGHT MEETING-1

Date & Time: May 1, 2026 | 5:00 PM – 7:30 PM
(Program starts at 5:00 PM; please arrive a few minutes early)

Location: Rutgers Cooperative Extension Office, 51 Cheney Rd., Woodstown, NJ 08098

Registration:
Call: 856-769-0090
Email: molly.english@salemcountynj.gov

Credits Applied For:

CORE: Basic Safety and Handling
1A: Agricultural Plant
10: Demonstration / Research
PP2: Private Applicator
11: Animal (Livestock) Pest Control

Topics & Speakers:

The 3R’s of Pesticide Use: Resistance, Rotation, and Regulation
Speaker: Janine Spies, Rutgers Cooperative Extension
The Endangered Species Act Changes to Pesticide Labels
Speaker: William J. Bamka, Rutgers Cooperative Extension
Nitrogen from Air to Soil using Sunlight
Speaker: Joseph R. Heckman, Rutgers University
Agronomist’s Field Guide to Drought Resilience
Speaker: Ramandeep Sharma, Rutgers Cooperative Extension

Fruit IPM Updates Week of 3/23/26

Fri, 27 Mar 2026 19:37:05 GMT

Tree Fruit Phenology Update

Tree fruit phenology is progressing across New Jersey, with development in southern counties remaining slightly advanced and northern regions beginning to catch up. Overall, the 2026 season is showing a more compressed phenology window than typical. Cooler weather this weekend should help slow development.

In apples, green tip for Pink Lady was observed around March 22 across both southern and some northern regions, with Honeycrisp following around March 26. In pears, swollen buds were observed around March 11, with green clusters reaching by March 26 in southern New Jersey. Peach varieties in southern New Jersey were observed at the swollen bud stage this week.

Apples

Green Tip Dates by County

County	Green Tip Date (earliest varieties)
Cumberland	3/22
Gloucester	3/22
Burlington	3/22
Mercer	3/22
Middlesex	3/22
Monmouth	3/22
Hunterdon	3/22
Morris	TBD
Warren	TBD
Sussex	TBD
Bergen	TBD

Apple Scab

Models

Apple scab models are available through NEWA and RIMpro. Apply fungicides before infection events when discharge exceeds thresholds (10–20%).

Current Update

~2% ascospore maturity (March 25)
~7% by March 31
~10% by April 1
Low cumulative discharge (~1–4%)

Management Considerations

Copper can be applied now but avoid after ½” green.

Manzate + single-site fungicide
DMI (FRAC 3) for high pressure
Vangard (FRAC 9)
FRAC 7 (save Aprovia)
Axios (save for later)
Syllit (avoid if resistance)
FRAC 11 (save for summer)
Topsin (limited uses)

As we move toward tight cluster:

Rapid ascospore increase
Higher infection risk with rain

Monitor:

NEWA models
Weather/wetting events
Phenology

Early control is critical to avoid season-long pressure.

Scouting Calendar

Use as a scouting guide only (not for spray timing).

Green tip: March 22–26
Ascospore maturity: 2–7% increasing

Key Points

Minimal difference between North and South Jersey
Green tip ~March 22
Prepare for scab infection events
Build fungicide rotation now

Pears

Pear Phenology Update

Pear phenology is progressing, with swollen buds observed around March 11 and green clusters observed on March 26 in southern New Jersey.

Pear Psylla

Pear psylla activity has begun in southern New Jersey, with variability across counties:

Salem County: adults and eggs observed
Gloucester County: eggs observed
Burlington County: no activity observed to date

These observations indicate that egg laying is underway in the southernmost regions and will likely progress north with warming temperatures. Reports from surrounding regions also suggest psylla activity is increasing.

At this stage:

Continue monitoring for eggs and early nymphs
Use beating trays to assess adult activity
Examine buds and developing shoots for egg presence

Dormant oil applications should be applied where possible to deter psylla egg laying and suppress early populations. Timely applications are especially important in areas where activity has already been observed.

At green cluster:

Oil is often combined with an insecticide to target migrating adults
In lieu of oil, particle films such as Surround may be used starting at swollen bud and continuing through bloom

Materials such as Esteem, Centaur, and Sivanto Prime may also be incorporated, depending on timing and pressure.

Figure 1. Adult pear psylla laying eggs at swollen bud. Photo by Janine Spies.

Pear Diseases

Fire Blight and Early Season Management

Dormant copper applications should be applied for fire blight and pear scab suppression, but no later than green tip if fruit russet is a concern. Where copper has already been applied, early-season risk is likely reduced.

As bloom approaches:

Begin planning for antibiotic applications
Kasumin may be used at bloom and petal fall
Other options include streptomycin and oxytetracycline for post-bloom use

Rotating chemistries is important for resistance management.

Pear Scab

RIMpro modeling for pear scab in Upper Deerfield indicates low infection risk at this time, with infection values remaining below threshold levels. Despite recent wetting events, limited ascospore maturity is restricting infection potential.

Growers who have applied dormant copper are likely adequately protected under current conditions. Protective fungicide programs should begin at the cluster bud stage, particularly as we approach tighter cluster and bloom, when risk will increase.

Materials such as Ziram or EBDC formulations provide effective protection. At white bud, include materials effective against pear scab, rust diseases, and Fabraea leaf spot. Particular attention should be paid to rust on Asian pear varieties.

Dormant urea applications may also be used, where appropriate, to help reduce overwintering inoculum.

Summary

Pear psylla activity has begun in southern New Jersey, with adults and eggs observed in Salem County and eggs in Gloucester County
Dormant oil applications should be applied to suppress egg laying and early populations
Copper applications should be completed by green tip where russet is a concern
Pear scab risk is currently low based on RIMpro modeling
Fungicide programs for pear scab should begin at cluster bud as risk increases
Dormant urea may be used to reduce overwintering inoculum

Continued scouting will be important over the next 1–2 weeks as both insect and disease pressure increase with advancing phenology.

Peaches

Peach Phenology

Peach varieties in southern New Jersey were observed at the swollen bud stage this week. Development is progressing steadily and will advance with warming temperatures.

Figure 2. Peach Swollen Bud. Photo by Janine Spies.

Brown Rot

Blossom infections from the brown rot fungus can occur whenever pistils are exposed and favorable environmental conditions are present.

Blossoms and fruitlets remain susceptible until the pistil desiccates, which occurs sometime between petal fall and shuck split.

Scale Insects

Oil applications may be safely applied up to pink on peach.

Oil can be applied alone or in combination with insecticides including Centaur, Sivanto Prime, and Esteem.

Visit to Clover Valley Farm – April 11

Claudia Gil Arroyo — Mon, 23 Mar 2026 04:00:20 +0000

Field trip to Clover Valley Farm

Saturday, April 11, 10am

SOUTH JERSEY CALIBRATION GROWERS MEETING

Mon, 16 Mar 2026 01:02:26 GMT

March 25, 2026
2:30 pm – 6:00 pm
Rutgers Agricultural Research & Extension Center
121 Northville Road
Bridgeton, NJ

Program

Program Chair
Janine Spies, Rutgers Cooperative Extension
Statewide Program Leader in Fruit IPM

2:30 – Registration

3:00 – Welcome and Introductions

3:15 – Airblast Sprayer Calibration Techniques
Chris Lovenduski, Central Jersey Equipment

4:15 – Early season management in peaches
Anne Nielsen PhD, Professor & Extension Specialist in Entomology

4:45 – Light fare & refreshments (Pre-registration required)

5:00 – Coverage Counts: How to make the most of a pesticide application
Karly Regan PhD, Certis Biologicals

5:30 – Pesticide Safety and Regulations for Specialty Crops
Janine Spies PhD, Rutgers Cooperative Extension

6:00 – Pesticide Recertification Credits and Adjourn. Attendees must be present for the entire program in order to apply for NJDEP credits.

THE FOLLOWING NJDEP PESTICIDE RECERTIFICATION CREDITS WILL BE AWARDED

4 CAT-10 4 CAT-1A 3 CAT-3A 4 CORE 4 PP2

Click here to register: South Jersey Calibration Event Registration – Fill out form

PRE-REGISTRATION BY March 18, 2026

Registration cost per person is $10. Cash or check (made payable to Rutgers The State University) will be collected at the door.

If you have any questions please contact Janine Spies: (352)-231-6330, janine.spies@rutgers.edu

NORTH JERSEY CALIBRATION GROWERS MEETING

Mon, 16 Mar 2026 01:01:14 GMT

March 24, 2026
2:30 pm – 6:00 pm
Snyder Research & Extension Farm
140 Locust Grove Road
Pittstown, NJ

Program

Program Chair
Janine Spies, Rutgers Cooperative Extension
Statewide Program Leader in Fruit IPM

2:30 – Registration

3:00 – Welcome and Introductions

3:15 – Airblast Sprayer Calibration Techniques
Chris Lovenduski, Central Jersey Equipment

4:15 – Importance of Calibration for Optimal Pest Control and Resistance Management
Kaitlin Quinn, Rutgers Cooperative Extension

4:45 – Light fare & refreshments (Pre-registration required)

5:00 – Coverage Counts: How to make the most of a pesticide application
Karly Regan PhD, Certis Biologicals

5:30 – Pesticide Safety and Regulations for Specialty Crops
Janine Spies PhD, Rutgers Cooperative Extension

6:00 – Pesticide Recertification Credits and Adjourn. Attendees must be present for the entire program in order to apply for NJDEP credits.

THE FOLLOWING NJDEP PESTICIDE RECERTIFICATION CREDITS WILL BE AWARDED

4 CAT-10 4 CAT-1A 4 CAT-3A 5 CORE 4 PP2

Click here to register: North Jersey Calibration Event Registration – Fill out form

PRE-REGISTRATION BY March 18, 2026

Registration cost per person is $10. Cash or check (made payable to Rutgers The State University) will be collected at the door.

If you have any questions please contact Kim Crommelin: (908)-788-1338, kfrey@co.hunterdon.nj.us

Networks to Reduce Risk Field Trip – April 11

Claudia Gil Arroyo — Tue, 10 Mar 2026 19:21:12 +0000

Field trip to Clover Valley Farm

Saturday, April 11, 10am

Early Season Tree Fruit Pest Control in 2026

Thu, 05 Mar 2026 22:01:06 GMT

Dormant Oil Sprays: In recent growing seasons, San Jose scale and white peach scale populations have been causing increasing amounts of damage. These pests create a superficial spotted injury caused by crawler stage feeding on the skin of apples and peaches, making the fruit unmarketable. In severe infestations, heavy crawler populations feeding on the sap of tree limbs can cause severe dieback. Scale overwinter on the limbs of trees asimmature crawlers under their protective waxy covering. In the spring when temperatures begin to rise, they respire through this covering. Dormant oil sprays are your first line of defense as they work to coat the protective covering of the scale and prevent respiration. Dr. Anne Nielsen’s lab found that another effective option at the delayed dormant timing is Centaur at 34.5 oz/A.

European red mite is another pest of concern that can be targeted at this stage. These mites feed on the foliage of tree fruit causing a bronzing symptom. Feeding from this pest can reduce fruit quality and tree vigor. European red mites overwinter in orchards as eggs. These eggs begin to hatch just prior to pink through bloom in apples. Dormant oil efficacy improves the closer you are to egg hatch for this pest so an application should be timed for green tip-half inch green in apple.

Pear psylla typically become active and begin laying eggs in NJ in mid-late March. Nymph stage pear psylla feed on the sap of pear trees and excrete honeydew which causes black sooty mold on fruit making it unmarketable. This pest also injects a toxin into the leaves as it feeds causing the leaves to blacken and eventually leads to defoliation. Dormant oil works to deter pear psylla from laying eggs and acts as a first line of defense against this pest.

Proper coverage with dormant oil is essential for it to work properly. Due to this, dormant oil should be applied as a full block spray instead of alternate row middle. It is important to ensure your sprayer is properly calibrated and that you are using a sufficient spray volume. Dr. Brett Blaauw from the University of Georgia found that 100 gal/A is a sufficient volume for coverage IF the trees are properly pruned prior to the dormant oil application (see University of Georgia factsheet). It is possible to achieve almost 100% coverage by making multiple dormant oil applications. This strategy is optimal because it also allows you to target both scale and mites at their optimal timings. One application can be made early on when temperatures first begin to rise above 51°F to target scale and a second application can be made between green tip and ½” green to target mites and continue controlling scale. An oil application at ½” green combined with Esteem at 4-5 oz/A will also provide control of aphids including wooly apple aphid. Wooly apple aphid populations have been becoming more prevalent in NJ apple orchards in recent years, likely due to dry end of summer conditions and pyrethroid use flaring populations. The first place this pest will begin to pop up will be pruning cuts so be sure to keep an eye out as the season progresses since early action is critical for effective control.

Dormant oil application rates depend on the phenological stage and the crop you are spraying. Typically, oil is recommended at a 2% rate or 2 gallons of dormant oil per 100 gallons of spray mix. You can perform concentrated sprays of 6 gallons of dormant oil per 100 gallons of spray mix in pome fruit based on the dilute volume of 300 gallons per acre (amount generally considered to cover a mature semi dwarf apple to the point of drip). In stone fruit, a concentrated spray would include 4 gallons of dormant oil per 100 gallons of spray mix based on the dilute volume of 200 gallons per acre (amount generally considered to cover a mature peach tree to the point of drip). Oil can safely be applied up to the pink stage of tree fruit, but the rate should be dropped the closer you get to this stage. For example, in pome fruit a full rate can be applied up to ½” green, this rate should be halved up to tight cluster and then halved again up to pink.

When applying dormant oil, it is important that you do not make an application within 2 days of the temperature dropping below 32°F. Another important consideration is that oil should not be applied within 2 weeks of Captan due to phytotoxicity concerns. There are other insecticides that can be mixed with dormant oils to target these pests; however, results are variable on whether the addition of these insecticides improves efficacy over oil alone.

Dormant Season Copper Sprays: Fire blight can be targeted at the dormant stage using copper as your first line of defense. The copper targets cankers caused by fire blight and reduces the amount of bacterial inoculum present in the field. Early season copper sprays can also be effective against apple scab if some green tissue is present in the bud. Copper should not be applied after ½” green due to concerns with phytotoxicity and fruit russeting. If tank mixing copper with dormant oil, extra precaution should be taken to ensure there is no risk of freezing temperatures since this can exacerbate issues with phytotoxicity and injure the tree.

The bacteria causing fire blight can only survive inside of living tree tissue. The winter is an optimal time to remove infected branches since the sap is not flowing, this reduces the risk of spreading the inoculum to your next cut. Removing the cankers caused by this disease where most of the bacteria are surviving will reduce your inoculum levels and make this disease easier to manage during the spring. It is a good practice to flag limbs that were infected with fire blight in the previous season to make the cankers easier to find when it comes time to prune. Pruning crews should be trained to look for sunken, dark, cracked areas on the tree bark that may be cankers. A knife can be used to peel away the tree bark to confirm the presence of the canker. If it is in fact a canker, the sapwood will be brown. You can continue peeling the bark away until you find the margin of the canker where the sapwood is still healthy and green. The pruning cut should be made at least 8 inches below the canker to ensure no inoculum is left behind in the tree. All canker prunings should be removed from the orchard since they can still act as a source of inoculum if left behind on the orchard floor.

If peach leaf curl was not targeted in the late fall at leaf drop, a fungicide application is also effective in the late winter prior to bud swell. Copper, Ziram, and Bravo (Chlorothalonil) are the most effective options at this timing.

Dormant Season Urea Sprays: Dormant season urea sprays are an extremely effective tool to reduce inoculum in orchards with high apple scab pressure. These sprays help to break down the leaf litter more quickly, which isessential for orchard sanitation and reduction of foliar disease inoculum. Urea applications are most effective if applied after leaf drop in the fall, but if you didn’t have a chance to make the application, it is not too late! Urea can be applied to leaf litter in the late winter or early spring using an airblast sprayer with nozzles pointed towards the ground or a boom sprayer at a rate of 40 lb/A in 100 gallons of water. A flail mower can also be used to chop leaf litter,which allows it to decompose more quickly. By using these methods, you can reduce your apple scab inoculum by 80% or more, which will make management easier and more effective during primary scab infection.

South Jersey Calibration Grower Meeting

Thu, 05 Mar 2026 21:44:10 GMT

March 25, 2026

2:30 pm – 6:00 pm

Rutgers Agricultural Research & Extension Center

121 Northville Road, Bridgeton, NJ

Program

2:30 PM – Registration

3:00 PM – Welcome and Introductions

3:15 PM – Airblast Sprayer Calibration Techniques

Chris Lovenduski, Central Jersey Equipment

4:15 PM – Early season management in peaches

Anne Nielsen PhD, Professor and Extension Specialist in Entomology

4:45 PM – Light fare & refreshments (pre-registration required)

5:00 PM – Coverage Counts: How to make the most of a pesticide application

Karly Regan PhD, Certis Biologicals

5:30 PM – Pesticide Safety and Regulations for Specialty Crops

Janine Spies PhD, Rutgers Cooperative Extension

6:00 PM – Pesticide Recertification Credits and Adjourn

NJDEP Pesticide Recertification Credits are anticipated.

Registration cost per person: $10.

Cash or check (made payable to Rutgers The State University) will be collected at the door.

Pre-register by Thursday March 19.

Click here to register: South Jersey Calibration Event Registration – Fill out form

Program Chair: Janine Spies, Agriculture and Natural Resources County Agent III, Statewide Program Leader in Fruit IPM

If you have any questions please contact Janine Spies: (352) 231-6330, janine.spies@rutgers.edu

North Jersey Calibration Grower Meeting

Thu, 05 Mar 2026 21:43:45 GMT

March 24, 2026

2:30 pm – 6:00 pm

Clifford E. & Melda C. Snyder Research & Extension Farm

140 Locust Grove Road Pittstown, NJ

Program

2:30 PM – Registration

3:00 PM – Welcome and Introductions

3:15 PM – Airblast Sprayer Calibration Techniques

Chris Lovenduski, Central Jersey Equipment

4:15 PM – Importance of Calibration for Optimal Pest Control and Resistance Management

Kaitlin Quinn, Rutgers Cooperative Extension

4:45 PM – Light fare & refreshments (Pre-registration required)

5:00 PM – Coverage Counts: How to make the most of a pesticide application

Karly Regan PhD, Certis Biologicals

5:30 PM – Pesticide Safety and Regulations for Specialty Crops

Janine Spies PhD, Rutgers Cooperative Extension

6:00 PM – Pesticide Recertification Credits and Adjourn

NJDEP Pesticide Recertification Credits are anticipated.

Registration cost per person: $10.

Cash or check (made payable to Rutgers The State University) will be collected at the door.

Click here to register: North Jersey Calibration Event Registration – Fill out form

Pre-register by Wednesday March 18.

If you have any questions please contact Kim Cromelin: (908) 788-1338, kfrey@co.hunterdon.nj.us

Program Chair: Janine Spies, Agriculture and Natural Resources County Agent III, Statewide Program Leader in Fruit IPM

Produce Safety Rule Training Part of the Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA)

Thu, 19 Feb 2026 20:53:23 GMT

When: Tuesday, March 17, 2026, from 9:30-4:30 PM.

Where: Rutgers Cooperative Extension of Mercer County, 1440 Parkside Ave., Ewing, NJ 08638

Cost: $100.00 (lunch included) as part of registration process you will ask to pay by card. Online ticket Sales end on Friday, March 6, 2026. If paying after the deadline or in person payment must be by check made out to Rutgers, the State University of New Jersey

To sign up and information: https://rutgers.ca1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_2tP1FhE34sviJv0

Who Should Attend

Fruit Growers
Vegetable Growers
Growers who have farms that fall under the Produce Safety Rule
Growers who have farms that do not fall under the rule but will in the future.

Benefits of Attending the Workshop

Individuals who participate in this course will gain a basic understanding of:

Requirements in the FSMA Produce Safety Rule and how to meet them.
Fulfills the requirement for at least one supervisor from a farm to complete food safety training at least equivalent to the standardized curriculum recognized by the FDA.
Microorganisms relevant to produce safety.
Where microorganisms may be found on the farm
How to identify microbial risks, practices that reduce risks and how to begin implementing produce safety practices on the farm.
Parts of a farm food safety plan and how to begin writing one
Cleaning and Sanitizing

Areas Covered Under the Produce Safety Alliance Grower Training:

Introduction to Produce Safety
Worker Health, Hygiene and Training
Soil Amendments
Wildlife, Domesticated Animals and Land Use
Agricultural Water (Part I: Pre Harvest Water; Part II: Postharvest Water)
Postharvest Handling and Sanitation
How to Develop a Farm Food Safety Plan

After attending the entire course and submitting the appropriate survey to their trainer at the end of the course, participants will be eligible to receive a certificate from the Association of Food and Drug Officials (AFDO) that verifies they have completed the training course. This course fulfills the FSMA Produce Safety Rule training requirement for at least one supervisor per farm is trained by an FDA-recognized Produce Safety Alliance curriculum.

Does your farm fall under the FSMA PSR? Find out at the link below.
https://rutgers.ca1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_4IagP1mbPyrp42N

North Jersey Commercial Vegetable Growers Meeting Program and Registration

Wed, 18 Feb 2026 20:29:07 GMT

NORTH JERSEY COMMERCIAL
VEGETABLE GROWERS MEETING

March 11, 2026
8:30 am – 3:00 pm

Harvest Hall, Alstede Farms
100 Route 24
Chester, NJ 07930

Program

Program Chair
Peter Nitzsche, Agriculture and Resource Management Agent
Cooperative Extension of Morris County

8:30 – Registration
Continental breakfast compliments of industry sponsors

9:00 – Welcome and Introductions

9:10 – Vegetable IPM Update
Amanda Quadrel, Senior Program Coordinator – Vegetable IPM, Cooperative Extension

9:40 – Developing a Targeted Worker Training Program for Produce Safety
Meredith Melendez, ANR Agent, Cooperative Extension of Mercer County

10:10 – Update on Farm Service Programs
Kristen Lake, County Executive Director, Farm Service Agency

10:20 – Jersey Fresh Marketing Update
Christine Fries, Coordinator of Agricultural Marketing, Division of Markets, NJ Dept. of Agriculture

10:30 – Strawberry Disease Management: How Environment Changes the Game
Nancy Sharma, Specialist in Fruit Pathology, Cooperative Extension

11:00 – Resistance Management and the Pesticide Label – What You Need to Know
Kate Brown, ANR Agent, Cooperative Extension of Somerset County

11:30 – What is New from Industry

11:40 – Next-Generation Weed Management Innovative Solutions for Specialty Crop Productions
Thierry Besancon is an Extension Specialist in Weed Science for Specialty Crops

12:10 – LUNCHEON (pre-registration required)

1:00 – Updates on Disease Control in Vegetable Crops
Andrew Wyenandt, Specialist in Vegetable Pathology, Cooperative Extension

1:30 – Update on Rutgers/NJAES Agrivoltaics Crops Research
Daniel Ward, Associate Research Professor, Dept. of Plant Biology, NJAES

2:00 – New and Emerging Vegetable Pests
Patricia Prade, Extension Entomologist, Penn State Extension

2:30- Specialty Winter Squash for NJ Growers
David Hlubik, ANR Agent, Cooperative Extension of Burlington County

3:00 – Pesticide Recertification Credits and Adjourn. Attendees must be present for the entire program in order to apply for NJDEP credits

NJDEP PESTICIDE RECERTIFICATION CREDITS ARE ANTICIPATED

North Jersey Veg Meeting Registration 2026 then fax or email to:
Fax: (908) 806-4735
E-mail: kfrey@co.hunterdon.nj.us

PRE-REGISTRATION BY MARCH 4, 2026 REQUIRED FOR LUNCH

Directions:
Harvest Hall, Alstede Farms 100 Route 24, Chester, NJ 07930
Look for the Harvest Hall sign at the entrance to the driveway.
The entrance to the Harvest Hall driveway is directly across the street from Chubb Park ~¼ mile east of the farmstand.

If you have any question please call Kim Crommelin: (908)-788-1338

North Jersey Commercial Fruit Grower Meeting Program and Registration

Wed, 18 Feb 2026 20:28:02 GMT

NORTH JERSEY COMMERCIAL
FRUIT GROWERS MEETING

March 4, 2026
8:30 am – 4:00 pm
Hunterdon County Complex
314 State Route 12, Bldg. 1
Flemington, NJ
Program

Program Chair
Megan Muehlbauer, PhD
Agriculture and Resource Management Agent
Cooperative Extension of Hunterdon County

8:30 – Registration
Continental breakfast compliments of industry sponsors

8:50 – Welcome and Introductions

9:00 – NJDEP’s Pesticide Safety and Regulations
Spencer Kerkhof, Environmental Specialist Pesticide Compliance & Enforcement NJDEP

10:00 – Ambrosia Beetles: How to Manage Them in Tree Fruit Orchards
Monique Rivera PhD, Assistant Professor, Department of Entomology, Cornell AgriTech

11:00 – Mycorrhizal Fungi Applications and their Effect on Soil Biology and Tree Health
Megan Muehlbauer PhD, Hunterdon County Agricultural Agent, Rutgers Cooperative Extension

11:30 – Update on Farm Service Programs
Laura LaFevre, County Executive Director, Hunterdon / Somerset Office, Farm Service Agency

11:45 – Jersey Fresh Marketing Update
Joe Atchison III, Assistant Secretary, NJ Dept. of Agriculture
Christine Fries, Coordinator of Agricultural Marketing, NJ Dept. of Agriculture

12:00 – LUNCHEON (pre-registration required)

12:50 – What is New from Industry

1:00 – Peach Variety Updates
Hemant Gohil PhD, Gloucester County Agricultural Agent, Rutgers Cooperative Extension

1:30 – Management Strategies for Scale in Tree Fruit
Anne Nielsen PhD, Extension Specialist in Entomology, Rutgers Cooperative Extension

2:00 – Season Summary and Updates from the Tree Fruit IPM Program
Janine Spies PhD, Agricultural Agent in Fruit IPM, Rutgers Cooperative Extension

3:00 – The Bitter Reality of Bitter Rot in NJ
Kaitlin Quinn North Jersey Fruit IPM Program Associate, Rutgers Cooperative Extension

3:30 – Disease management strategies in apple and peach orchards
Nancy Sharma PhD, Specialist in Fruit Pathology, Rutgers Cooperative Extension

4:00 – Pesticide Recertification Credits and Adjourn. Attendees must be present for the entire program in order to apply for NJDEP credits.

THE FOLLOWING NJDEP PESTICIDE RECERTIFICATION CREDITS WILL BE AWARDED

4 CAT-10 4 CAT-1A 2 CORE 4 PP2

North Jersey Fruit Meeting Registration 2026 then fax or email to:
Fax: (908) 806-4735
E-mail: kfrey@co.hunterdon.nj.us

PRE-REGISTRATION BY February 26, 2026 REQUIRED FOR LUNCH

If you have any questions please call Kim Crommelin: (908)-788-1338

Registration Open: Mid Atlantic Grain Fair & Conference (March 16, Malvern PA)

Ramandeep Kumar Sharma — Tue, 17 Feb 2026 19:43:03 +0000

Exciting Opportunities at the 2026 Mid‑Atlantic Grain Fair & Grain Conference!

As a supporter of regional grains and local food systems, I’m thrilled to share that the Mid‑Atlantic Grain Fair & Grain Conference is coming March 15–16, 2026 in Pennsylvania! This two-day event brings together farmers, bakers, millers, brewers, distillers, and enthusiasts to learn, connect, and celebrate.

Get involved:

● Be a Grain Fair Vendor (March 15): Showcase your products and connect with a family-friendly audience at the Rodale Institute. Spots are still open! Apply here: Mid-Atlantic Grain Fair at the Rodale Institute

● Exhibit at the Conference (March 16): Highlight your business or organization to attendees from across the grain value chain. Apply here: 2026 Mid Atlantic Grain Conference — Common Grain Alliance

● Volunteer & Save on Registration: Help run the event, meet the community, and enjoy 50% off for one shift, 100% off for 2+ shifts. Sign up here: 2026 Mid Atlantic Grain Conference — Common Grain Alliance

Whether you’re a producer, business, or enthusiast, this is a chance to learn, connect, and be part of the growing Mid‑Atlantic grain movement. Learn more & register → 2026 Mid Atlantic Grain Conference — Common Grain Alliance

Assistance for Specialty Crop Farmers (ASCF) Program: Contact FSA and Reporting Due March 13, 2026

Tue, 17 Feb 2026 16:13:47 GMT

U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke L. Rollins announced that the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is providing $1 billion in Assistance for Specialty Crop Farmers (ASCF) Program assistance for specialty crops and sugar, commodities not covered through the previously announced Farmer Bridge Assistance (FBA) program. These one-time bridge payments will help address market disruptions, elevated input costs, persistent inflation, and market losses from foreign competitors engaging in unfair trade practices that impede exports. Specialty crop producers have until March 13, 2026, to report 2025 acres to USDA’s Farm Service Agency (FSA).

“President Trump has the backs of our farmers, and today we are building on our Farmer Bridge Assistance program with the Assistance for Specialty Crop Farmers (ASCF) Program. Our specialty crop producers continue to feel the negative effects of four years under the Biden Administration, suffering from record inflation, a depleted farm safety net, and delayed disaster assistance,” said Secretary Rollins. “President Trump and the entire cabinet are working every day to fight bidenflation and lower prices for consumers. If our specialty crop producers are not economically able to continue their operations, American families will see a decrease in the food they rely on, wholesome and nutritious fruits and vegetables. Putting Farmers First is essential to the Make America Healthy Again movement and we are doing both at USDA by expanding market opportunities and improving the farm economy for all producers. Today’s specialty crop announcement builds on our efforts to improve markets for real food into American schools, institutions, and family dinner tables.”

The Assistance for Specialty Crop Farmers Program is authorized under the Commodity Credit Corporation Charter Act and will be administered by FSA.

Eligible Specialty Crops

ASCF-eligible specialty crops include: (A) Almond, Apple, Apricot, Aronia berry, Artichoke, Asparagus, Avocado (B) Banana, Bean (Snap or green; Lima; Dry edible), Beet (Table), Blackberry, Blueberry, Breadfruit, Broccoli (including Broccoli Raab), Brussels Sprouts (C) Cabbage (including Chinese), Cacao, Carrot, Cashew, Cauliflower, Celeriac, Celery, Cherimoya, Cherry, Chestnut (for Nuts), Chive, Citrus, Coconut, Coffee, Collards (including Kale), Cranberry, Cucumber, Currant (D) Date, Dry Edible Beans and Peas* (E) Edamame, Eggplant, Endive (F) Feijou, Fig, Filbert (Hazelnut) (G) Garlic, Gooseberry, Grape (including Raisin), Guava (H) Horseradish (K) Kiwi, Kohlrabi (L) Leek, Lettuce, Litchi (M) Macadamia, Mango, Melon (All Types), Mushroom (Cultivated), Mustard and Other Greens (N) Nectarine (O) Okra, Olive, Onion, Opuntia (P) Papaya, Parsley, Parsnip, Passion Fruit, Pea (Garden; English or Edible Pod; Dry edible), Peach, Pear, Pecan, Pepper, Persimmon, Pineapple, Pistachio, Plum (including Prune), Pomegranate, Potato, Pumpkin (Q) Quince (R) Radish (All Types), Raspberry, Rhubarb, Rutabaga (S) Salsify, Spinach, Squash (Summer and Winter), Strawberry, Suriname Cherry, Sweet Corn, Sweet Potato, Swiss Chard (T) Taro, Tomato (including Tomatillo), Turnip (W) Walnut, Watermelon

*Dry edible beans and peas covered by FBA will not be eligible for ASCF.

ASCF payments are based on reported 2025 planted acres.

Eligible farmers should ensure their 2025 acreage reporting is factual and accurate by 5 p.m. ET on March 13, 2026. Commodity-specific payment rates will be released by the end of March. Crop insurance linkage will not be required for the ASCF Program. However, USDA strongly urges producers to take advantage of the new One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA) risk management tools to best protect against price risk and volatility in the future.

More information on ASCF is available online at www.fsa.usda.gov/fba or producers can contact their local FSA county office.

CHANGE OF DATE AND LOCATION: North Jersey Commercial Vegetable Meeting

Tue, 17 Feb 2026 11:00:46 GMT

CHANGE OF DATE AND LOCATION

FOR THE

NORTH JERSEY COMMERCIAL

VEGETABLE GROWERS MEETING

March 11, 2026

8:30 am – 3:30 pm

Harvest Hall, Alstede Farms

100 Route 24

Chester, NJ 07930

NO CHANGES FOR THE NORTH JERSEY COMMERCIAL FRUIT GROWERS MEETING

DETAILS BELOW

NORTH JERSEY COMMERCIAL

FRUIT GROWERS MEETING

March 4, 2026

8:30 am – 3:30 pm

Hunterdon County Complex

314 State Rt. 12, Building #1

Flemington, NJ

Program Details and Pesticide Credits are Forthcoming

Farm Safety Needs Assessment

Kate Brown — Fri, 13 Feb 2026 16:15:25 +0000

The Rutgers Farm Health and Safety Working Group is conducting a survey to evaluate the priority needs of New Jersey farmers for training and resource development related to safety and health. As a New Jersey farmer, you are invited to complete this survey. Click here to access the survey and learn more.

Participation in this research study is voluntary. If you choose to participate by completing the survey, you will be asked to respond to questions about priority hazards for educational outreach as well as personal preparedness for emergencies, motivations and barriers for improvement, and interest in specific trainings and services. The survey takes approximately 10-15 minutes to complete and no information that can identify you will appear in any professional presentation or publication. Responses are anonymous.

SAVE THE DATE: Sprayer Equipment Calibration Workshops for Specialty Crop Growers March 24 & 25

Thu, 12 Feb 2026 17:23:52 GMT

North Jersey Equipment Calibration Grower Meeting

March 24, 2026

3:00 PM – 6:00 PM

Clifford E. & Melda C. Snyder Research & Extension Farm

New Jersey Agricultural Experiment Station

140 Locust Grove Road

Pittstown, NJ

South Jersey Equipment Calibration Grower Meeting

March 25, 2026

3:00 PM – 6:00 PM

Rutgers Agricultural Research & Extension Center

121 Northville Road

Bridgeton, NJ

Agenda, Registration and Pesticide Credits will be announced shortly.

Mid-Atlantic Commercial Vegetable Recommendation Guide Available at Select County RCE Offices

Fri, 06 Feb 2026 21:39:49 GMT

Physical, spiral-bound copies of the recently updated 2026/2027 Mid-Atlantic Commercial Vegetable Recommendation Guide are now available at select Rutgers Cooperative Extension offices throughout the state. This publication is updated biennially with research-based information from land-grant university trials as well as knowledge and experience from farmers and other industry members in the mid-Atlantic region. The production guide is intended for use by commercial vegetable growers and includes general production and pest management recommendations, pesticide safety information, and commodity-specific recommendations.

Limited quantities of the guide are available for purchase at the following RCE offices. The cost is $35.00 (including tax) and payable by check made out to Rutgers, the State University of New Jersey. Click here to locate your nearest RCE office and access contact information. We strongly encourage you to call in advance to confirm the availability of the guide.

RCE of Atlantic County (Mays Landing)
RCE of Burlington County (Westampton)
RCE of Cumberland County (Millville)
RCE of Hunterdon County (Flemington)
RCE of Mercer County (Ewing)
RCE of Middlesex County (North Brunswick)
RCE of Monmouth County (Freehold)
RCE of Morris County (Morristown)
RCE of Somerset County (Bridgewater)
Rutgers Agricultural Research and Extension Center (Bridgeton)

This production guide is also available as a free downloadable PDF on the New Jersey Agricultural Experiment Station website (updated version coming soon) or purchasable online from Penn State Extension.

RU-N Seeks to Buy Produce, Dairy, Meat, and Eggs from Female Farmers

Kate Brown — Mon, 02 Feb 2026 23:43:33 +0000

Rutgers-Newark (RU-N) seeks to purchase fruits, vegetables, dairy, eggs, and meat from women-owned farms in New Jersey. Pick-up is available and all women-owned/operated farms located in NJ are eligible. The deadline is almost here! Interested farmers are asked to complete the interest form by Wednesday, February 4, 2026.

Purchased products will supply pantry+, a free resource for groceries available to students, staff, and faculty at RU-N.

Questions? Contact Bryan Barros, bryan.barros@rutgers.edu or 973-353-0257.

SAVE THE DATE: North Jersey Commercial Vegetable & Fruit Growers Meetings

Thu, 29 Jan 2026 15:32:42 GMT

NORTH JERSEY COMMERCIAL

VEGETABLE GROWERS MEETING

February 25, 2026

8:30 am – 3:30 pm

Hunterdon County Complex

314 State Rt. 12, Building #1

Flemington, NJ

NORTH JERSEY COMMERCIAL

FRUIT GROWERS MEETING

March 4, 2026

8:30 am – 3:30 pm

Hunterdon County Complex

314 State Rt. 12, Building #1

Flemington, NJ

Program Details and Pesticide Credits are Forthcoming

Salem County Pesticide Safety Meeting – Pesticide Credits Available – February 20, 2026 – Woodstown

Salvatore Mangiafico — Tue, 20 Jan 2026 19:38:16 +0000

Salem County Pesticide Safety Meeting

February 20, 2026
51 Cheney Rd., Woodstown, NJ

To register for morning, afternoon, or both
856-769-0090
molly.english@salemcountynj.gov

Link to PDF

*Morning Session: 9 am – Noon. Credits: \| CORE: 01 \| 1A: 02 \| 1B: 01 \| 10: 03 \| PP2: 02 \|*
Farmland Preservation in Salem County	State Agriculture Development Committee (SADC) staff
Pesticide Safety, Storage, Labels, Application	Raman Sharma, Rutgers Cooperative Extension
Disease Control in Vegetable Crops	Andy Wyenandt, Rutgers Cooperative Extension
Early Season Pest Management in No-till Corn	Maria Cramer, Rutgers Cooperative Extension
Animal Agricultural Pest Control	Hassan Warriach, Rutgers Cooperative Extension
USDA Program Updates	USDA – NRCS / FSA staff
*Afternoon Session: 1 pm – 4:30 pm. Credits: \| 1A: 03 \| 10: 03 \| PP2: 03 \|*
Weed Control in Pastures and Forages	Matthew Elmore, Rutgers Cooperative Extension
Corn Fertility for Yield and Quality	Raman Sharma, Rutgers Cooperative Extension
Commodity Market Outlook	Nathaniel Bruce, Delaware Cooperative Extension
Agricultural Safety and Emergency Response	Robert DiGregorio, Salem County Sheriff Office
Agrivoltaics	Dan Ward, Rutgers Cooperative Extension
Forage Quality of Hay and Silage	Tess Stahl, Rutgers Cooperative Extension

H2A Farm Labor Meeting – February 2, 2026 – Upper Deerfield, Cumberland County

Salvatore Mangiafico — Tue, 20 Jan 2026 19:17:38 +0000

Learn about H2A, the federal farm labor program.

Insights about costs, legal considerations, and practical matters, from experts, growers, and NJ Farm Bureau.

February 2nd, 2026

121 Northville Road
Bridgeton, New Jersey 08302

The Event is provided free of charge, but you must RSVP

Lunch and refreshments will be provided

To register, please contact Karen Adams:
adams@udel.edu
302-831-3328

Link for PDF

9:30 – 10:00	Check-in / Registration
10:00 – 10:10	Welcome
10:10 – 10:55	Real Cost of H2A Workers	Nate Bruce, University of Delaware
10:55 – 12:00	Legal Aspects of the H2A Process	Brandon Davis, Phelps Dunbar LLP Paul Goeringer, University of Maryland
12:00 – 12:45	Lunch
12:45 – 1:10	New Jersey Considerations for H2A Workers	Ben Casella, New Jersey Farm Bureau
1:10 – 1:30	Experiences with the H2A Program and Q&A	Henry Bennett, Bennett Orchards
1:30 – 1:45	Evaluations

Speakers, times, and availabilities subject to change.

This work is supported by the Northeast Extension Risk Management project award no. 2024-70027-42540, from the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s National Institute of Food and Agriculture.

This event is brought to you jointly by the University of Delaware Cooperative Extension, a service of the UD College of Agriculture and Natural Resources and University of Maryland Cooperative Extension, a service of the UMD College of Agriculture and Natural Resources — both are land-grant institutions and are equal opportunity providers. If you have special needs that need to be accommodated, please contact the office two weeks prior to the event.

NE Agriculture Expo and Rutgers Educational Sessions Start Tuesday 1/20/26 to Thursday 1/22/26 in Atlantic City

Michelle Infante-Casella — Sun, 18 Jan 2026 14:45:35 +0000

The NE Agriculture Expo and Rutgers Educational Sessions Start Tuesday 1/20/26 at Harrah’s in Atlantic City, 777 Harrahs Boulevard. The final day of educational sessions and trade show ends on Thursday at 5pm.

The weather may be cold, but no rain or no snow in the forecast, and warm times inside the conference center to network with others in the industry. An afternoon Hospitality Room will be available 12-5pm on Wednesday and Thursday to relax and unwind in the trade show area. Come for the social aspects, education and gain pesticide recertification credits. Check out the Rutgers Educational Program to see what topics you would like to learn about. go.rutgers.edu/2026rutgerseduprog

What’s Happening

January 20 (Tuesday)

Pre–trade show workshops and sessions

January 21 (Wednesday)

Full day of educational sessions for all commodity groups • Year of the Women Farmer Luncheon
Packed trade show with vendor booths sold out
Live charity auction with FREE food

January 22 (Thursday)

More sessions
Another day packed trade show with vendor booths sold out
Special appearance by Temple Grandin book signing /meet and greet, then her special session (additional cost)

Registration Options On-Site at the Regitration Counter (hallway of conference center) or On-line https://vganj.com/convention-tickets“>https://vganj.com/convention-tickets

VGANJ Membership – $100

Includes 2 Expo passes

Additional passes just $25 each

One-Day Pass – $60

Access to sessions + trade show

Save time at registration
Walk in, grab your badge
Enjoy FREE breakfast (8am-10am Wednesday and Thursday in Trade Show)
Head straight to learning, growing, and catching up with friends

This event under one roof, packed with education and energy, and celebrating New Jersey agriculture at its best.

Plus, buy your tee shirt or hoodie at the registration desk to “Support New Jersey Farmers” and tout “No Farmers No Food” – new this year.

NEED PESTCIDE RECERTIFICATION CREDITS? REGISTER TODAY

Michelle Infante-Casella — Thu, 08 Jan 2026 17:27:04 +0000

4 CORE Credits – Pesticide Safety Workshop

A Tuesday, January 20, 2026 Workshop for Pesticide Applicators to gain CORE Credits towards their license will be held at the NE Agriculture Expo at Harrah’s in Atlantic City to start of this year’s event. This workshop will take place from 10:00AM to 12:00PM. Licensed applicators must accumulate 8 CORE Credits over a 5-year period to maintain their NJDEP Pesticide Applicators License. This workshop will offer 4 CORE Credits. Pre-registration is requested and can be found on the VGANJ website at https://vganj.com“>https://vganj.com. Registration cost is $25 per person and non-refundable. Registration for this workshop is separate from the convention registration and attendees must also register for the expo at https://vganj.com/convention-tickets. The topics include: Pesticide Safety – Personal Protection Equipment for the Pesticide Applicator; Update on US EPA Worker Protection Standards; Storage, Tank Mixing, Tank Cleaning, and Disposal; Pesticide Record Keeping and Notification. For more information contact Bill Bamka (bamka@njaes.rutgers.edu) or Michelle Infante-Casella (minfante@njaes.rutgers.edu).

For the full program (January 20-22nd) of Rutgers Educational Workshops and Sessions that offer more credits and diverse topics, see https://go.rutgers.edu/2026rutgerseduprog

2 “Stop the Bleed” Trainings North and South Jersey

Michelle Infante-Casella — Mon, 05 Jan 2026 16:31:37 +0000

2 STOP THE BLEED TRAININGS SCHEDULED
FOR FARMERS AND THE AGRICULTURAL COMMUNITY
REGISTRATION REQUIRED – NO COST

SATURDAY, JANUARY 10TH IN SUSSEX COUNTY STARTING AT 10:00AM

MONDAY, FEBRUARY 2ND IN GLOUCESTER COUNTY STARTING AT 9:00AM

FOR SUSSEX COUNTY ON SATURDAY, JANUARY 10TH AT 10:00AM – CALL TO REGISTER: 973-948-3040

LOCATION: RUTGERS COOPERATIVE EXTENSION OF SUSSEX COUNTY, 130 MORRIS TNPK, NEWTON, NJ

-OR-

FOR GLOUCESTER COUNTY ON FEBRUARY 2ND AT 9:00AM – REGISTER USING THIS LINK OR QR CODE:
https://go.rutgers.edu/stopthebleed

LOCATION: GLOUCESTER COUNTY OFFICE OF GOVERNMENT SERVICES
1200 N. DELSEA DR., CLAYTON, NJ

Rutgers Cooperative Extension’ Farm Health and Safety Team has 2 scheduled events for “Stop the Bleed” training for the farming community.

Don’t miss this opportunity to learn the life-saving skills of pressure application, wound packing, and use of tourniquets. The first 25 registrants at each location, will also receive a complementary bleeding control kit.

Space is limited, register today.

If you have questions contact Rutgers Cooperative Extension of Sussex County (973-948-3040) or Gloucester County (856-224-8040 ext. 1)

Rutgers Farm Health and Safety Team:
Agricultural Agents: Kate Brown, Michelle Infante-Casella, William Bamka, and Stephen Komar

Wednesday Luncheon at the NE Ag Expo 1/21/26 – Sign Up Today

Michelle Infante-Casella — Fri, 02 Jan 2026 19:18:27 +0000

All are welcome to the 2026 Celebration of the International Year of the Female Farmer on Wednesday, January 21st at the Northeast Ag Expo at Harrah’s in Atlantic City. Your $25 ticket includes access to the luncheon and keynote speakers – Carrie Edsall from New York and NJ Dairy Princess – Dakota Meys. Lunch is a full hot food buffet and dessert. This event will be inspirational and is also a very affordable way to have lunch while at the expo. Spend this time to network with fellow farmers and support women in agriculture. To register for the Expo and the Wednesday Luncheon go to https://vganj.com/convention-tickets

Farm, Fisher, and Aquaculture Wellness Study

Mon, 22 Dec 2025 19:33:32 GMT

The Rutgers Cooperative Extension Department of Family and Community Health Sciences is conducting a study to understand the impact of industry stressors related to the Farm, Fishery and Aquaculture industries.

As a member of the Farm, Fishery and Aquaculture industry, you are being invited to take part in this research. Your participation in the study is completely voluntary. If you agree to take part in this research, you will be asked to respond to survey questions that relate to your knowledge and experience about industry stressors. The survey takes approximately 5 minutes to complete and no information that can identify you will appear in any professional presentation or publication.

The survey and additional information can be found here: Farm, Fisher, Aquaculture Wellness Study

Empowering Farmers Through Knowledge: Annie’s Project 101 Launches in January 2026

Claudia Gil Arroyo — Tue, 09 Dec 2025 16:46:29 +0000

Empowering Farmers Through Knowledge: Annie’s Project 101 Launches in January 2026

As agriculture continues to evolve, so do the challenges and opportunities faced by farmers—especially women and beginning farmers. That’s why we’re excited to announce the launch of the Annie’s Project 101 Course, a comprehensive farm business management training series kicking off in January 2026.

Hosted by Rutgers Cooperative Extension and supported by the Northeast Extension Risk Management Education Project, this six-week webinar series is designed to equip farmers with the tools they need to thrive in today’s dynamic agricultural landscape.

Course Overview

Dates: Wednesdays, January 7 – February 18, 2026
Time: 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM
Format: Live webinars + asynchronous learning
Fee: $45
Registration: Click here to register

What You’ll Learn

Each session focuses on a key area of farm risk management, featuring expert-led presentations and practical strategies:

Legal Risk (Jan 7): Lease agreements and legal foundations for farm operations
Financial Risk (Jan 14): Agritourism pricing and profitability analysis
Market Risk (Jan 28): Marketing plans and niche development
Human Resource Risk (Feb 4): Farm crew management and wellness strategies
Production Risk (Feb 11): Food safety and equipment selection
Legal & Financial Risk Wrap-Up (Feb 18): Insurance and business planning essentials

Special Note

There will be no webinar on January 21 to allow participants to attend the Northeast Ag Expo at Harrah’s Resort & Casino in Atlantic City, NJ.

Whether you’re a beginning farmer, a seasoned producer, or someone exploring agribusiness, Annie’s Project 101 offers valuable insights and connections to help you grow your farm with confidence.

Don’t miss out—register today and invest in your farm’s future!
#AnnieProject101 #FarmBusiness #WomenInAg #RutgersExtension #AgWebinarSeries #FarmSmart

FREE Tick Disease Testing for NJ Cattle Available Through 2025

Tess Stahl — Thu, 13 Nov 2025 20:53:30 +0000

The New Jersey Department of Agriculture (NJDA) Division of Animal Health has launched a free testing program to partner with cattle producers and veterinarians to track and manage the emerging Theileria orientalis Ikeda parasite in New Jersey herds. Free testing is available until the end of the year (2025) to identify infected animals and guide response strategies. Producers are encouraged to contact their herd veterinarian or the NJDA Division of Animal Health (609-671-6400) for more information.

They also have released more information explaining the parasite Theileria orientalis Ikeda and signs/treatments available. This information can be found by scanning the QR code above or clicking the link below:

Click to access T_orientalis_Producer_Handout.pdf

Field, Forage, and Livestock Edition - Rutgers Plant & Pest Advisory

North Jersey Tree Fruit and Vegetable Twilight Meeting

North Jersey Tree Fruit and Vegetable Twilight Meeting

Supported by

New Jersey Vegetable Growers Association

April 30, 202

4:30 PM-7:30 PM

Ort Farms

25 Bartley Rd.

Long Valley, NJ 07853

How Recent Fertilizer Price Increases Affect Your Per-Acre Costs

1. Increase in recent fertilizer prices

2. Translating fertilizer prices into production costs

Fruit IPM Updates Week of 3/30/2026

Tree Fruit Phenology Update

Apple Scab Update

Salem County Agronomy Twilight Meeting-1 (May 1, 2026)

Fruit IPM Updates Week of 3/23/26

Tree Fruit Phenology Update

Visit to Clover Valley Farm – April 11

SOUTH JERSEY CALIBRATION GROWERS MEETING

March 25, 2026 2:30 pm – 6:00 pm Rutgers Agricultural Research & Extension Center 121 Northville Road Bridgeton, NJ

Program

PRE-REGISTRATION BY March 18, 2026

NORTH JERSEY CALIBRATION GROWERS MEETING

March 24, 2026 2:30 pm – 6:00 pm Snyder Research & Extension Farm 140 Locust Grove Road Pittstown, NJ

Program

PRE-REGISTRATION BY March 18, 2026

Networks to Reduce Risk Field Trip – April 11

Early Season Tree Fruit Pest Control in 2026

South Jersey Calibration Grower Meeting

North Jersey Calibration Grower Meeting

Produce Safety Rule Training Part of the Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA)

North Jersey Commercial Vegetable Growers Meeting Program and Registration

NORTH JERSEY COMMERCIAL VEGETABLE GROWERS MEETING

March 11, 2026 8:30 am – 3:00 pm

Harvest Hall, Alstede Farms 100 Route 24 Chester, NJ 07930

Program

PRE-REGISTRATION BY MARCH 4, 2026 REQUIRED FOR LUNCH

North Jersey Commercial Fruit Grower Meeting Program and Registration

NORTH JERSEY COMMERCIAL FRUIT GROWERS MEETING

March 4, 2026 8:30 am – 4:00 pm Hunterdon County Complex 314 State Route 12, Bldg. 1 Flemington, NJ Program

PRE-REGISTRATION BY February 26, 2026 REQUIRED FOR LUNCH

Registration Open: Mid Atlantic Grain Fair & Conference (March 16, Malvern PA)

Assistance for Specialty Crop Farmers (ASCF) Program: Contact FSA and Reporting Due March 13, 2026

CHANGE OF DATE AND LOCATION: North Jersey Commercial Vegetable Meeting

CHANGE OF DATE AND LOCATION

FOR THE

NORTH JERSEY COMMERCIAL

VEGETABLE GROWERS MEETING

March 11, 2026

8:30 am – 3:30 pm

Harvest Hall, Alstede Farms

100 Route 24

Chester, NJ 07930

NO CHANGES FOR THE NORTH JERSEY COMMERCIAL FRUIT GROWERS MEETING

DETAILS BELOW

NORTH JERSEY COMMERCIAL

FRUIT GROWERS MEETING

March 4, 2026

8:30 am – 3:30 pm

Hunterdon County Complex

314 State Rt. 12, Building #1

Flemington, NJ

Program Details and Pesticide Credits are Forthcoming

Farm Safety Needs Assessment

SAVE THE DATE: Sprayer Equipment Calibration Workshops for Specialty Crop Growers March 24 & 25

North Jersey Equipment Calibration Grower Meeting

March 24, 2026

3:00 PM – 6:00 PM

Clifford E. & Melda C. Snyder Research & Extension Farm

New Jersey Agricultural Experiment Station

140 Locust Grove Road

Pittstown, NJ

South Jersey Equipment Calibration Grower Meeting

March 25, 2026

3:00 PM – 6:00 PM

Rutgers Agricultural Research & Extension Center

121 Northville Road

Bridgeton, NJ

March 25, 2026
2:30 pm – 6:00 pm
Rutgers Agricultural Research & Extension Center
121 Northville Road
Bridgeton, NJ

March 24, 2026
2:30 pm – 6:00 pm
Snyder Research & Extension Farm
140 Locust Grove Road
Pittstown, NJ

NORTH JERSEY COMMERCIAL
VEGETABLE GROWERS MEETING

March 11, 2026
8:30 am – 3:00 pm

Harvest Hall, Alstede Farms
100 Route 24
Chester, NJ 07930

NORTH JERSEY COMMERCIAL
FRUIT GROWERS MEETING

March 4, 2026
8:30 am – 4:00 pm
Hunterdon County Complex
314 State Route 12, Bldg. 1
Flemington, NJ
Program