Administrator

March 31, 2016 Administrator

Weather Alert: Protect Flowering Crops Against Frost

DEP, DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE TEAM UP TO ALLOW FARMERS TO PROTECT FLOWERING CROPS AGAINST FROST CONDITIONS EXPECTED EARLY NEXT WEEK
(16/17) TRENTON – With temperatures in many parts of the state expected to approach freezing over the weekend into early next week, the Department of Environmental Protection and Department of Agriculture are working cooperatively to allow farmers to do controlled open burning or use specialized torches known as smudge pots to protect flowering crops from frost damage.

Forecasts call for near or below freezing conditions overnight Saturday through April 5. The cold temperatures could affect fruit and vegetable crops, as well as flowers in bloom or near bloom. Peaches, blueberries and apples are particularly susceptible. Frost damage now can significantly reduce yields of these crops later in the season.

The DEP and Department of Agriculture are allowing these steps through April 5 to protect farmers’ livelihoods and to ensure that consumers will be able to enjoy an ample supply of Jersey produce later this year.
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Filed Under: Blueberry, Fruit, Tree Fruit, Vegetable Crops

February 8, 2016 Administrator

North Jersey Tree Fruit Meeting

Date: February 24, 2016
Time: 8:30 am – 4:45 pm
Location: Hunterdon County Complex
314 State Rt. 12, Bldg. #1, Flemington, NJ 08822

See Rutgers Fruit Focus Newsletter for details.

Filed Under: Fruit, Tree Fruit

April 23, 2015 Administrator

Weather Alert from NJ Dept of Ag: Open Burn Approval

At the request of the NJ Dept of Agriculture, DEP Commissioner Martin today approved open burning and the use of smudge pots for tonight and Friday because of the extreme cold temperatures forecasted for those evenings. This approval mirrors the approval from 2012. Copies of the approval and restriction memo plus the list of Critical Temperatures for Frost Protection of Various Crops are attached.

Filed Under: Commercial Ag Updates, Fruit, Tree Fruit, Vegetable Crops

April 20, 2015 Administrator

NJ Crop Insurance News Reminder

Apr 30: spring and fall forage seeding contract change date

Created to inform New Jersey ag producers about crop insurance, the Garden State Crop Insurance Education Initiative Team makes available important information through multiple media outlets. Get the latest news by visiting the website or follow via blog, Facebook, or Twitter.