Archives for May 2021

May 5, 2021 and

Updated COVID Farm Guidance for the 2021 Season

Volunteer workerWe have been watching as the state executive orders continue to roll out and how this impacts the agricultural community.  The two key take-aways for farms this season are:

  1. Ensure that your customer capacity limits allow for 6′ of social distancing
  2. Communicate to customers that masks will be required when indoors and when social distancing isn’t possible out of doors

Guidance documents have been updated on the following topics 
U-Pick Operation Guidelines under COVID-19
RCE Wholesale Grower Questions
Best Practices for Direct Market Sales
Complying with NJ Executive Orders – Pick Your Own

The Rutgers On-Farm Food Safety Team now has a COVID-19 Information For the Agricultural Industry webpage where these updated documents are housed, along with other COVID resources and vaccine information including printable posters in multiple languages.

Filed Under: Commercial Ag Updates, Food Safety, Fruit, Vegetable Crops
May 5, 2021

Manage Stress with 10 Self-Care Tips

Mental health is something few people feel comfortable talking about. However, we all know stress can lead to many health issues both mental and physical. Here are a few self-care practices to help eliminate stress and strengthen your mental well-being:

Adopt better sleep habits: Prepare yourself for a restful night’s sleep by securing a comfortable environment. Turn off electronics, lights, and other distractions that may stimulate the brain.

Begin an exercise regimen: Start with small changes by opting to take the stairs, if able, instead of the elevator. Take stretch breaks during the day. Go on a walk or a bike ride.

Find a hobby: Don’t be afraid to try something new or do something you enjoy.

Take a social media break: Put down the tablet, smartphone, step away from the computer for a block of time.

Utilize stress management techniques: Try yoga, meditation, or breathing exercises.

Get organized: Use a planner to set goals for yourself. You will feel a sense of accomplishment crossing things off your list!

Keep a journal: Instead of dwelling over negative thoughts, put them down on paper. Then “close the book on them” and enjoy your day.

Volunteer: It feels good to help a friend or give back to your community, as well as a great way to connect and cultivate relationships.

Strengthen your communication skills: Make connections by reaching out and talking to someone, as well as be a good listener.

Treat yourself, as well as others, with respect: Remember, we are all human, we make mistakes, and we miss goals, but maintaining a positive outlook is key.

Information shared from: Jana L. Davidson, Progressive Agriculture Foundation. More information from the article in the May 5th edition of the Morning Ag Clips.

Filed Under: Commercial Ag Updates Tagged With: ,
May 5, 2021

Gypsy Moth Seen in Cranberry Beds

We are observing high populations of gypsy moth larvae in cranberry beds near wooded areas. The last time we saw these numbers was over a decade ago in 2007-2008. I am showing a graph (Figure 1) that illustrates the number of lepidopteran pests (gypsy moth, spotted fireworm, Sparganothis fruitworm, armyworms, cranberry blossomworm, and spanworms) observed in 2008 in various cranberry beds (from bud break to bloom). The graph shows the timing when gypsy moth larvae were found in beds in comparison with other common leps. Based on these data, number of gypsy moth larvae peaked at this time of the year and then decline in the following two weeks. It also shows an overlap of gypsy moth numbers with the numbers of spotted fireworm and Sparganothis fruitworm in beds. This indicates that treatment for gypsy moth should also control these other pests if the residue lasts for 10-14 days.

Lepidopteran Larvae in 2008 Sweep net Samples

Figure 1. Number of Lepidopteran Larvae in 2008 Sweep net Samples

Biology. Gypsy moth has one generation a year. It overwinters as eggs. Eggs hatch at this time of the year (we should have already passed peak egg hatch). First instars “balloon” on silken threads from infested trees onto nearby cranberry beds. Thus, gypsy moths tend to be one of the earliest caterpillars to show up in cranberry beds, usually during the first week of May. Observed larvae are mostly 2nd instars and will feed on the terminal buds. Although less common, it is also possible that eggs overwintered on the bog floor and that older larvae will crawl later in the season onto beds from surrounding trees.

Scouting and Control – Gypsy moth larvae are quite easy to detect by means of sweep net sampling and are easy to control with most of the insecticides at our disposal. The action threshold for gypsy moth is an average of 4.5 larvae in sets of 25 sweeps. We recommend the use of Intrepid, Delegate, Altacor, Exirel, or Verdepryn, if populations exceed action thresholds. These are reduced-risk insecticides that are very effective against lepidopteran pests.

Filed Under: Cranberry, Fruit
May 5, 2021

Secretary Fisher Gives Mask Guidance for Farmers Markets

Secretary Fisher issued guidance on 4/30/21 for farmers markets regarding mask wearing, stating “While it may be appropriate to remove masks while seated and dining or drinking, all farmers, vendors and market customers should continue to wear a mask while at the market regardless of vaccination status.”  To see the full letter from Secretary Fisher visit Farm Market Mask Guidance.pdf (nj.gov)

Farm Market Mask Guidance

 

Filed Under: Commercial Ag Updates, Food Safety, Fruit, Vegetable Crops
May 4, 2021

Vaccine Information Resources for Farmers

Anyone who lives or works in NJ is now eligible for a COVID vaccine at any of the vaccine megasites. No appointment needed, see walk-in hours here:
https://covid19.nj.gov/pages/vaccine

Information resources for farmers and farm workers continue to be developed by the CDC and the state of NJ. These resources are easily accessed on the Rutgers On-Farm Food Safety COVID website.  This website will be updated as more resources are developed.  Available now on the website:

  • Documentation from NJDOH stating all are eligible for free COVID vaccinations regardless of immigration status
  • Megasite locations and times for walk-in COVID vaccines for anyone 16 years or older
  • COVID vaccine educational posters in English, Spanish, Haitian Creole, Korean, simplified Chinese, and traditional Chinese
  • CentraState (Freehold) walk-in vaccine clinic information – May 11th and 15th

Farmers or farm workers with questions about locating a vaccine or other vaccine information may use the email address njfarmvax@njaes.rutgers.edu for assistance.

Filed Under: Commercial Ag Updates, Field, Forage & Livestock, Food Safety, Fruit, Landscape, Nursery, & Turf, Vegetable Crops
May 4, 2021

USDA wants to hear how Covid-19 impacted beginner farmers

“WASHINGTON, May 4, 2021 – The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) today announced a virtual listening session for beginning farmers and ranchers to learn how COVID-19 impacted their farming operations and to get their feedback on USDA assistance. The listening session will take place on May 6, 2021, from 1:30 to 3:30 p.m., Eastern time.”

For more information, visit https://www.nrcs.usda.gov/wps/portal/nrcs/detail/national/newsroom/releases/?cid=NRCSEPRD1772035

 

Filed Under: Uncategorized