The Rutgers Homesteading Academy invites you to “Take a Walk with an Expert” at the Rutgers Snyder Research and Extension Farm in Pittstown, NJ (Hunterdon County). Join Dr. Megan Muehlbauer, Hunterdon County Agricultural Agent, for an educational tour of the orchards on Wednesday, June 15, 2022 from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. [Read more…]
Register today for NE Cover Crops Council Annual Conference!
The Northeast Cover Crops Council Annual Conference will take place next week on Thursday, March 10 and Friday, March 11, 2022. The conference will be held virtually from 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. on both days. Find the full agenda here! Registration will close on Monday, March 7 at noon. [Read more…]
2022 Northeast Cover Crops Council Conference
Registration for the 5th Annual Northeast Cover Crops Council Conference is now open!
The conference will be held virtually from 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. on two days – Thursday, March 10 and Friday, March 11, 2022. The agenda includes graduate student lightning talks and several concurrent sessions led by researchers, Extension and industry personnel and agricultural producers from throughout the country. Find the full agenda here! [Read more…]
Upcoming Webinar on Woodland Management
Under the Farmland Assessment Act, woodland owners can be eligible for reduced property taxes if they follow a state-approved woodland management or forest stewardship plan. In fact, New Jersey has more than 228,000 acres of private woodlands currently being managed under the Farmland Assessment Act with practices that include reforestation, timber stand improvement, fish and wildlife habitat enhancement, fire hazard reduction, invasive species control, watershed protection, and wetland restoration.
If you’d like to learn more about woodland management or forest stewardship to qualify for farmland assessment, join the Rutgers Cooperative Extension ‘Homesteading Academy’ for their upcoming webinar “Woodland Management for Private Landowners in New Jersey”. This lunchtime webinar will be held on Tuesday, January 11, 2022 from 12-1 p.m. and presented by Brian McDonald, a forester with the New Jersey Forest Service.
There is no cost to attend, but pre-registration is required to receive the Zoom link. Register today at https://go.rutgers.edu/homesteading!
If you have any questions, contact Kate Brown, Program Associate with RCE-Burlington County. Email kbrown@njaes.rutgers.edu or call 609-265-5050.
Cut Costs (Not Fingers) When Prepping Firewood
Using a high-efficiency wood or pellet stove can be a cost-effective way to reduce your home heating costs compared to other fuels like natural gas, fuel oil, or electricity. According to Penn State Extension, the greatest savings are realized when you cut your own firewood rather than opting to buy pellets or have cordwood delivered. However, there are several hazards associated with use of a chainsaw or ax for felling trees or splitting firewood; the CDC estimates 36,000 people visit hospital emergency departments annually for injuries caused by chainsaws. If you plan to cut your own firewood this winter, it’s important to keep safety top of mind. [Read more…]
Stay Safe on the Road During the Harvest
Autumn is harvest season on the farm, and farmers are rushing to get the harvest in before the weather becomes cold. With harvest season getting underway, more heavy farm equipment is going to be out on the same roads as vehicle traffic, going from field to field, dramatically increasing the odds for accidents. During this season, it is important to be aware of the increased possibility of accidents and injury, especially when using farm machinery. One area to pay particular attention to is road safety while moving equipment. Here are some tips to help make sure the season is safe.
Make sure your farm vehicles and equipment are visible.
- Verify that all lights and flashers on your farm vehicle are working properly.
- Use warning flashers, flags, lights and slow-moving vehicle emblems on all equipment.
- Apply reflective tape to machines to improve visibility for motorists at dusk.
- Avoid traveling before dawn and after dusk if you can. If you need to drive during these times, ensure that your headlights are working. Headlights help you see and be seen.
- Consider the use of an escort vehicle following with lights and flashers
Also, make sure you know the size of all tractors, vehicles and equipment. Be mindful of the height of your farm equipment and avoid power lines, low bridges and other overhead obstacles. Remember to communicate with fellow motorists on the road. Use turn signals and hand signals whenever possible to communicate with fellow drivers. Avoid distractions and make safety a priority on the road. Also, particularly important is to pay attention to when you are feeling tired and fatigued. Taking a break to rest is an important safety tool not to be overlooked.
This post was written by Bill Bamka, County Agricultural Agent with RCE-Burlington County.