Commercial Ag Updates + Farm Food Safety

Rutgers Cooperative Extension Ag Agents provide updates on what they see in the field, upcoming events, and other important news that affects your operation, such as developments in on-farm Food Safety. Subscribe if you wish to be notified about workshops, meetings, and upcoming commercial ag events.
 
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July 8, 2026

Corn Lodging Reported Following Extreme Heat and Storm Events in Southern New Jersey

Reports of corn lodging have been coming from multiple locations across southern New Jersey (NJ) since last Sunday (July 5, 2026). We had a period of extreme heat across much of central and southern NJ from July 2 to 4, witnessing daytime temperatures reached 95 to 100°F and heat index values ranged between 105 and 115°F. Right after that, we had weekend thunderstorms that caused locally heavy rainfall and strong winds, resulting in saturated soil and decreased root grip/anchorage in corn fields. The rapid transition from extended heat-induced stress to wet soil conditions and strong winds led to conditions conducive for root lodging, particularly in early planted (rapidly growing) corn with compromised root systems.

 

Figure 1: Severe lodging observed in taller, early planted corn following strong winds and heavy rainfall. Taller plants are more prone to wind-related lodging due to larger canopy size and increased leverage on the root system. (Photo Credit: Andrew Wyenandt, 2026)

Figure 1: Severe lodging observed in taller, early planted corn following strong winds and heavy rainfall. Taller plants are more prone to wind-related lodging due to larger canopy size and increased leverage on the root system. (Photo Credit: Andrew Wyenandt, 2026)

 

Figure 2: Less severe lodging observed in a comparatively shorter corn field after the same storm event. Decreased plant height and canopy development likely contributed to higher resistance to wind-induced root lodging. ((Photo Credit: Ramandeep Kumar Sharma, 2026)

Figure 2: Less severe lodging observed in a comparatively shorter corn field after the same storm event. Decreased plant height and canopy development likely contributed to higher resistance to wind-induced root lodging. ((Photo Credit: Ramandeep Kumar Sharma, 2026)

Assessing the Type of Lodging

Farmers are advised to wait for three to seven days (or until the field conditions allow) after the lodging event to check their fields to determine the type and extent of injury. Two types of wind injury are commonly seen in corn:

  • Root lodging: Plants get displaced from the vertical, but the stalk remains intact. Roots are partially displaced/lifted while staying attached to the ground. Generally, these plants recover naturally by bending upward over the following several days through normal gravitropic (against the direction of gravity) growth.
  • Green or Stalk Snap (breaking of stalk): Stalks are broken from below or near the ear. In this case, affected plants cannot recover so they directly contribute to the yield loss, which is generally in proportion to the percentage of broken plants.

Management Recommendations

There is no direct management practice that can reinstate corn to its pre-lodged position. Instead, management is mainly focused on minimizing additional stress, allowing the crop time to recover, and evaluating potential impacts on yield.

  • Farmers are advised to allow time (three to seven days) for recovery before making final evaluations on root-lodged corn fields. Corn expresses negative gravitropism, by which the plants that have their root systems still intact, will naturally stand back upright, often developing the characteristic “gooseneck” appearance.
  • It is not suggested to manually straighten lodged plants. Attempting to unbend or stand plants upright can damage root systems and increase plant stress, often causing more injury than benefit.
  • It is advised to delay non-essential field traffic/operations until soil is sufficiently dry to reduce additional root injury, soil compaction, and mechanical damage to lodged plants. Bringing equipment in lodged corn fields causes more yield loss than the lodging itself.
  • Farmers are encouraged to continue scouting their fields for foliar diseases and stalk rots. Lodged plants usually stay wetter for long durations, providing conditions conducive for diseases such as gray leaf spot, northern corn leaf blight, and tar spot (where present). Plants injured by wind are more prone to stalk rots later in the season. Routine disease scouting should continue. Fungicide applications should not be justified by lodging alone. However, fungicide decisions should be guided by i) what the growth stage of crops is, ii) how much the disease pressure is, iii) how vulnerable the hybrid is, iv) what the weather conditions are, and v) what is the expected yield goal.
  • Farmers are advised to evaluate the potential for nitrogen loss. For example, if heavy rainfall resulted in prolonged soil saturation, the likelihood of nitrogen loss should be assessed taking denitrification or leaching into account, which is very notable on southern NJ’s coarse-textured or poorly drained soils. Supplemental nitrogen should only be applied if field conditions, crop growth stage, and expected yield response justify additional applications.
  • Fields should be reassessed after one week. Fields that stay severely lodged even after five to seven days may have suffered more substantial root injury and should be monitored closely throughout the rest of the growing season.
  • It is advised to keep monitoring the stalk quality to help prioritize harvest (if and where needed). Wind-damaged fields should be scouted later in the season for stalk deterioration and increased lodging potential. Fields with decline in stalk quality should be prioritized for harvest to minimize additional yield losses.
  • Affected farmers are advised to document and report affected acreage and estimated losses to their local USDA Farm Service Agency (FSA) office. Accurate reporting will be helpful in documenting the extent of damage and in supporting the evaluation of potential disaster assistance (if applicable).
  • In case of suspected significant damage and if insured, it is suggested to make timely communication with the crop insurance provider (if warranted) and to follow policy requirements before making management decisions that could affect claim evaluation.

References

GovOneStop. (2026, July 2). New Jersey severe extreme heat warning effective 07/02/2026. https://govonestop.com/nws/new-jersey-severe-extreme-heat-warning-effective-07022026-0051-0

Merchantville. (2026). Dangerous heat through Saturday. Merchantville News. https://www.merchantville.com/index.php/news/local/new-jersey/10067-dangerous-heat-through-saturday

Quinn, D. (2024, July 11). “Flattened” or “Root Lodged” corn caused by heavy rain and wind – Now what? Purdue Extension Pest&Crop Newsletter, 2024(16). Purdue University. https://extension.entm.purdue.edu/newsletters/pestandcrop/article/flattened-or-root-lodged-corn-caused-by-heavy-rain-and-wind-now-what/

University of Kentucky, Department of Plant Pathology. (n.d.). Wind damage/lodging. University of Kentucky College of Agriculture, Food and Environment. https://veggiescout.mgcafe.uky.edu/wind-damagelodging

Filed Under: Commercial Ag Updates, Field, Forage & Livestock, Plant Diagnostic Lab
June 30, 2026

Dangerous Heat: Actions to Stay Safe

Dangerous heat will impact NJ and the region this week, with maximum air temperatures Wednesday to Saturday forecasted to reach the mid-90s to 105 degrees. The heat index, which factors in relative humidity, is expected to soar as high as 110 degrees. As a result, an Extreme Heat Warning has been issued for the majority of NJ (Wednesday to Saturday) with an Extreme Heat Watch being issued for the counties of Atlantic, Cape May, and Cumberland (Thursday to Saturday).

Precautions must be taken to prevent heat-related illnesses among the agricultural workforce:

  1. National Weather Service graphic on extreme heat watches and warnings for the region. Adjust work schedules and discontinue outdoor work during the hottest parts of the day.
    1. You can utilize the OSHA/NIOSH Heat Safety Tool (phone app) for site-specific heat indices to aid planning.
    2. Remember: heat index is measured in the shade and does not factor in the effect of work in direct sunlight.
  2. Reduce workload intensity by increasing the number of workers per task, rotating jobs, and increasing the frequency of breaks.
  3. Train everyone on the farm to recognize and respond to signs of heat-related illness in themselves and others.
    1. Reinforce training with signage such as this informative ‘Prevent Heat Illness at Work’ poster from OSHA which is available in English, as well as Spanish.
  4. Keep hydrated! Cool water should always be available to everyone. Drink water constantly including before, during, and after work and encourage others to do the same. Sports drinks are generally not necessary when you drink ample water and eat regular meals.
  5. Select light-colored, breathable clothing and a wide-brimmed hat. Your clothing must allow for rapid evaporation of sweat – the body’s mechanism for cooling.

Take extreme caution over the next several days to safeguard yourself and others from heat-related illnesses. For more resources on preventing heat-related illness among the agricultural workforce, visit our Heat Stress and Agriculture website. 

 

Filed Under: Commercial Ag Updates, Field, Forage & Livestock, Fruit, Landscape, Nursery, & Turf, Vegetable Crops Tagged With: , ,
June 26, 2026 and

Nutrient and Management Tips for New Jersey Soybean Production

In New Jersey, soybeans generally do well in terms of productivity, but final yield largely depends on early-season soil conditions, balanced plant nutrition, and timely field management, particularly in sandy soil areas of the Coastal Plain and Southern part of New Jersey.

Importance of early-season establishment

The final yield potential (to be achieved later in the season) of soybean largely depends on how the crop established early in the season. If there is a poor emergence or is nutrient deficiency in early growth stages, it can decrease the final number of pods per acre and slow down the canopy growth. So, primary areas of focus during the early season are:

  • To ensure uniformity in planting depth and better seed-to-soil contact for better emergence/stand count.
  • To avoid planting into cold/wet soil to save emerging seeds from cold injury.
  • To ensure strong nodulation for better rhizobium activity.

Nutrients Management Considerations

Soybeans, being a leguminous crop, don’t need nitrogen (for the most part as they can fix most of their nitrogen needs by themselves), but they need other nutrients:

  • Phosphorus for early root development (to absorb water/nutrients and to anchor the plant in the soil) and nodulation. Very high (more than optimum) levels of phosphorus were seen in many New Jersey soils so, no phosphorus fertilizer is recommended for such soils. However, for the soils showing high/optimum phosphorus levels, it is still suggested to apply phosphorus at least in amount equivalent to that is removed by the soybean crop (40 lbs. P2O5/acre for a 40 Bu/acre of grain yield).
  • Potassium for water regulation and pod fill (determinant of final yield). To the soils showing potassium in high levels, it is still needed to apply 55 lbs. of K2O/acre for a 40 Bu/acre of grain yield, to account for the potassium removed by the soybean crop. For soils showing below optimum potassium levels, the rate of potassium is recommended to be higher than the 55 lbs. of K2O/acre, depending on what the yield goal is. For a yield goal of 40 Bu/acre, if potassium levels are below optimum, potassium recommendations are to apply between 70-170 lb. K2O/acre depending on the potassium levels (180-0 lbs. K/acre) shown in soil test (Mehlich-3). Also, it is important to mention the fields with soybean planted as a double crop, where potassium removal from the preceding small grain crop should be accounted for in fertilization planning by adjusting the soil test potassium results to avoid early season potassium deficiency. For example, a 45 Bu/acre soybean crop removes roughly 100–114 lb. K/acre (120–137 lb. K₂O/acre) from soil when potassium removed by the preceding small grain crop and its straw is also included with the potassium removed by soybean grain.
  • Sulfur has been increasingly becoming critical for last two decades, especially in highly leached, low organic matter, and sandy soils because of the decrease in natural sulfur deposits in soil owing to the stricter environmental regulations after the enactment of clean air act of 1990. Sulfur recommendations for soybeans are 20-40 lbs./acre (if broadcasted) or 20-30 lbs./acre (banded).
  • Manganese is the micronutrient that is seen deficient in most of the South Jersey’s coarse textured soils. The deficiency is visible in the form of green veins with yellowness appearing between the veins. For soils having the history of Manganese deficiency, recommendations are 15 lbs./acre (broadcast) or 5 lbs./acre (banded) of Manganese, if applied by soil. If a foliar application, recommendations are to apply three times (1st application as soon as the symptoms appear, 2nd application on later vegetative stage, and 3rd at early pod stage) with each application of 0.5-2.0 lbs./acre.
  • Maintaining pH between 6.2 and 6.8 is generally good for all nutrient’s availability. However, if pH is outside this range, the nutrients that are present in the soil still become unavailable to the soybean plant.

In many New Jersey soybean fields, mild potassium and sulfur deficiencies are more prevalent compared to visible nitrogen deficiency.

Management specific to the Southern New Jersey Soils

Southern New Jersey’s sandy soils lose nutrients rapidly due to high leaching, lose moisture faster during reproductive stages, and encounter nutrient stress even when soil test results say, “adequate level”. Therefore, split or targeted nutrient management and regular soil testing are very helpful.

In-season crop management

At R1 (flowering stage) to R3 (early pod set stage), it is suggested 1) to be watchful for yellowing on leaves or uneven canopy development, 2) to keep checking if nodulation working effectively (red/pink nodules signify better nitrogen fixation), and 3) to ensure no hidden potassium or sulfur deficiency, especially when high rainfall occurs (high leaching rate).

Takeaways (Summary)

Improved soybean yields in New Jersey are tied to 1) good early season establishment, 2) balanced nutrition of phosphorus, potassium (especially in double-crop soybean), sulfur, and manganese, 3) prudent monitoring of nutrient losses in sandy soils, and 4) timely field scouting during flowering and pod set. Taken together, productivity of New Jersey soybeans relies less on high inputs, but more on early-season balance (nutrition) and timely monitoring.

References

  • Huddell, A. M., Thapa, R., Marcillo, G. S., Abendroth, L. J., Ackroyd, V. J., Armstrong, S. D., & Mirsky, S. B. (2024). US cereal rye winter cover crop growth database. Scientific data, 11(1), 200.
  • New Jersey Soybean Board. (n.d.). NJ Production Guide. https://njsoybean.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/50737-8-New-Jersey-Tech-Transfer-Guide_LR6.pdf
  • Rutgers Cooperative Extension. (n.d.). Soil fertility recommendations for soybean (FS102). Rutgers New Jersey Agricultural Experiment Station.
  • Heckman, J. R. (1992). Successful double cropping requires adequate soil fertility. The Soil Profile, 2(2). Rutgers Cooperative Extension.
  • Sharma, R. K., Cox, M. S., Oglesby, C., & Dhillon, J. S. (2024). Revisiting the role of sulfur in crop production: A narrative review. Journal of Agriculture and Food Research, 15, 101013.
Filed Under: Agrivoltaics, Commercial Ag Updates, Field, Forage & Livestock
June 15, 2026

Fertigation: Improving Nitrogen Management In New Jersey Vegetable Crops

Nitrogen is one of the most important nutrients for vegetable production, but it can also be one of the easiest to lose (by leaching), especially on New Jersey’s sandy Coastal Plain soils. Heavy rainfall or excessive irrigation can move nitrogen below the crop root zone before plants have a chance to use it.

One way growers can improve nitrogen-use efficiency is through fertigation. Fertigation is the application of fertilizer through an irrigation system. In many New Jersey vegetable crops, including tomatoes, peppers, cucumbers, pumpkins, watermelons, and sweet corn, drip irrigation systems can be used to deliver small amounts of nitrogen throughout the season rather than applying all of it at planting.

Applying nitrogen in smaller, timely doses helps match crop demand and can reduce the risk of nutrient losses. Fertigation also gives growers more flexibility to adjust nitrogen programs based on crop growth and weather conditions. For example, following periods of heavy rainfall, growers can evaluate fields and make adjustments if additional nitrogen is needed.

Like any management practice, successful fertigation depends on proper irrigation scheduling. Applying too much water can still move nutrients below the root zone. However, when irrigation and fertilizer applications are properly managed, fertigation can be an effective tool to improve nitrogen efficiency, support crop productivity, and reduce nutrient losses.

When does fertigation make sense?

  • Fields equipped with drip irrigation systems.
  • High-value vegetable crops with season-long nutrient demand.
  • Sandy soils with greater leaching potential.
  • Situations where growers want flexibility to adjust nitrogen applications during the growing season

Common New Jersey crops where fertigation may be beneficial

Tomato, pepper, cucumber, pumpkin, watermelon, muskmelon, and sweet corn production systems that utilize irrigation.

Some common things to know when fertigating

  • Use only fully soluble fertilizers that can move easily through the irrigation system.
  • Base fertilizer selections on soil test results. Fields with high phosphorus (P) and potassium (K) levels may only require supplemental nitrogen during the season.
  • Common fertigation materials include soluble NPK fertilizers, calcium nitrate, and potassium nitrate.
  • Ensure fertilizer injectors are properly calibrated and matched to the flow rate of the irrigation system for uniform nutrient distribution.
  • Start irrigation first and allow the system to reach normal operating pressure before injecting fertilizer.
  • After fertigating, continue irrigating briefly to flush fertilizer from the drip lines.
  • Avoid over-irrigation, as excess water can move nutrients below the root zone and reduce fertilizer-use efficiency.
  • Regularly inspect drip lines, filters, and injectors to ensure the system is operating properly.
  • Calculate fertigation rates based on the actively cropped area rather than the entire field acreage.

References

  • Ernst, T., McWhirt, A., Zimmerman, T., Henderson, E., Duncan, M., and Lay-Walters, A. Basics of Drip Irrigation and Fertigation for Specialty Crops (FSA6160). University of Arkansas Cooperative Extension Service.
  • Johnson, G. 2010. Fertigating Drip Irrigated Vegetables. University of Delaware Cooperative Extension, Weekly Crop Update.
  • Kelley, L. 2026. Nitrogen Prices Spawn Interest in Fertigation. Michigan State University Extension.
Filed Under: Agrivoltaics, Commercial Ag Updates, Field, Forage & Livestock, vegetable, Vegetable Crops
June 12, 2026

NJ Freeze Disaster Designation and Emergency Loan Info (NJ Freeze Disaster Declaration Approved)

The requested disaster declaration regarding Freeze from April 19, 2026, through April 22, 2026, has been approved by U.S. Secretary of Agriculture, Brooke Rollins on June 8th, 2026. All 21 counties in New Jersey, seventeen (17) primary and four (4) contiguous, are covered by this designation.

A Secretarial Disaster Designation makes farm operators in primary and contiguous counties eligible to be considered for FSA emergency loans and disaster set aside, provided eligibility requirements are met. Farmers in all counties have until February 8, 2027, to apply for emergency loan assistance. The Emergency Loan Fact Sheet provides further information on how producers may apply for this assistance with local FSA Offices.

Filed Under: Blueberry, Commercial Ag Updates, Fruit, Strawberry, Tree Fruit, Wine Grape Tagged With: , ,
June 8, 2026

New World Screwworm: Why New Jersey Livestock Producers Should Be Aware

Recent detection (on June 3, 2026) of New World screwworm in Texas (Zavala County) have renewed attention to a livestock pest that was eradicated from the United States more than 50 years ago. While the current detections are far from New Jersey, they serve as a reminder of the importance of animal health surveillance and routine livestock inspections.

  • What is New World Screwworm: New World screwworm (Cochliomyia hominivorax) is a parasitic fly whose larvae (maggots) feed on the living tissue of warm-blooded animals. Unlike common fly maggots that typically feed on dead or decaying tissue, screwworm larvae invade healthy tissue, causing painful and rapidly expanding wounds that can lead to severe animal health problems if left untreated.
  • Why Is It in the News: The pest was eradicated from the United States in the 1960s and 1970s through a successful sterile insect release program. However, outbreaks in Central America and Mexico have moved northward in recent years, resulting in recent detections in Texas. Federal and state animal health officials are actively responding to these detections to prevent establishment and further spread.
  • Should New Jersey Producers Be Concerned: At this time, there is no reason for alarm in New Jersey. However, livestock owners should be aware of the pest and its symptoms because early detection is critical to successful control efforts.
  • Animals at Risk: New World Screwworm can affect cattle, sheep, goats, horses, swine, pets (dogs and cats), and wildlife. Any warm-blooded animal with an open wound can potentially be infested.
  • What to Watch For: Producers should monitor animals for wounds that enlarge rapidly, foul-smelling lesions, bloody or pink-tinged discharge, visible maggots in wounds, excessive irritation or rubbing, reduced feed intake, and lethargy or weakness. Pay particular attention to newborn navels, castration sites, dehorning wounds, ear-tagging sites, branding wounds, cuts and abrasions.
  • Good Management Practices: The best defense remains good animal husbandry. Inspect livestock regularly, treat wounds promptly, maintain fly-control programs, monitor newborn and recently processed animals closely, and consult a veterinarian if unusual wound development is observed.
  • Food Safety: New World screwworm is primarily an animal health concern and does not pose a food safety risk to consumers. Its impact is related to animal welfare, livestock productivity, and economic losses rather than meat safety.
  • Stay Informed: Rutgers Cooperative Extension encourages livestock owners to stay informed through USDA Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS), the New Jersey Department of Agriculture, and their local veterinarian. While the current risk to New Jersey remains low, awareness and early recognition are important components of protecting animal health.

References

  • Texas Animal Health Commission. (2026, June 3). New World screwworm confirmed in Zavala County calf: First case of NWS in Texas [News release]. (https://www.tahc.texas.gov/news/2026/2026-06-03_NWS_InitialCase.pdf?utm_source=chatgpt.com)
  • Kaufman, P., Swiger, S. L., & Herring, A. (2026). New World screwworm fact sheet. (https://agrilifeextension.tamu.edu/new-world-screwworm-fact-sheet/)
  • Kansas State University Agricultural Experiment Station and Cooperative Extension Service. (2025, June). New World screwworms: Fact sheet for producers. Kansas State University. (https://entomology.k-state.edu/extension/human-and-animal-health/New%20World%20Screwworms_June2025.pdf)
  • California Department of Food and Agriculture. (2025, June). New World screwworm fact sheet. California Department of Food and Agriculture. (https://www.cdfa.ca.gov/ahfss/animal_health/pdfs/screwworm_fact_sheet.pdf)

 

 

Filed Under: Commercial Ag Updates, Disease Forecasting, Field, Forage & Livestock, Food Safety, pesticide credits