February 16, 2017

SADC Cost-Sharing for Deer Fence on Permanently Preserved Farms

Whitetail deer. Photo courtesy USDA NRCS.

The NJ State Agriculture Development Committee (SADC) recently dedicated $500,000 of funding for 50% cost-share grants to farmers for installing high tensile woven-wire fencing on permanently preserved farms.  The cost share applies to fencing materials and installation.  An applicant can apply for a cost-share of up to $200/acre, with a total award amount capped at $20,000.  As a ballpark estimate: accounting for the farmer’s 50% contribution, the maximum level of funding would support fence installation around roughly 20+ acres.

To be eligible for the program: [Read more…]

Filed Under: Commercial Ag Updates, Field, Forage & Livestock, Fruit, Landscape, Nursery, & Turf, Organic Production, Vegetable Crops Tagged With: , , , ,
February 16, 2017

Specialty Peppers Ultra-Niche Crop Session to be Held

A colorful display and array of specialty peppers.

Rutgers NJAES Cooperative Extension is continuing its Ultra-Niche Crop Series with the upcoming workshop “Specialty Peppers”. This workshop, the fourth class for farmers seeking new crop opportunities, will be held on March 7, 2017 from 5:30 to 8 PM, simultaneously in Cape May Court House, Bordentown and Bridgewater, New Jersey.

[Read more…]

Filed Under: Commercial Ag Updates, Vegetable Crops Tagged With: , , ,
January 13, 2017

Brewing Crops and Related Topics to be Presented at NJ Ag Convention

Rutgers NJAES malting barley variety trails. Photo courtesy of William Bamka.

There is interest among many craft brewers in the state and region to source locally grown ingredients. The cultivation of New Jersey state-grown ingredients, like malted barley and hops, could provide opportunities for farmers. Has the thought of producing ingredients for the craft brewing industry crossed your mind? Have you wondered what the brewers are looking for? Would you like to know what is involved in producing hops and malting barley for market?

[Read more…]

Filed Under: Commercial Ag Updates, Field, Forage & Livestock Tagged With: , ,
January 3, 2017

Ultra-Niche Crop Workshop on High Tunnel Winter Lettuce Production to be Held

Loose leaf lettuce growing in a high tunnel.

Rutgers Cooperative Extension is continuing its Ultra-Niche Crop series in 2017 with the upcoming workshop “High Tunnel Winter Lettuce”.  This workshop, the third class in the Ultra-Niche educational series for farmers seeking new crop opportunities, will take place on Tuesday, January 31, 2017 from 5:30 to 8 p.m.  The workshop will be held simultaneously in Cape May Court House, Bridgewater and Bordentown, New Jersey.

[Read more…]

Filed Under: Commercial Ag Updates, Uncategorized Tagged With: , ,
September 15, 2016

Ultra-Niche Crop Educational Sessions Offered

County Agent Peter Nitzsche displays strawberry crop.

County Agent Peter Nitzsche displays strawberry crop.

Rutgers Cooperative Extension is offering a series of workshops for new and beginning farmers. The series, sponsored by a grant from the USDA-NIFA Beginning Farmer and Rancher Development Program, is part of the Rutgers Ultra-Niche Crops Project. Ultra-Niche Crops are exceptionally high value crops that can be grown on small acreage. The program is geared towards anyone who is interested in making more money off less land. If you are a new or beginning farmer, or an experienced farmer interested in learning about niche crops, then join the mailing list for more information.

The first class on growing and marketing Plasticulture Strawberries will be held on September 28th. More details and registration are now available. To speak with the project director, contact County Agricultural and Resource Management Agent Jenny Carleo by email (ko at rutgers dot edu) or by phone at 609-465-5115 x607.

Filed Under: Commercial Ag Updates, Fruit, Strawberry Tagged With:
May 4, 2016

North Jersey Tree Fruit: May 10, 2016 On-Farm Twilight Meeting

North Jersey Tree Fruit Meeting

Click image to View.

Date: May 10, 2016 5:30pm
Location: Ken Wightman’s Farm,
1111 Mt. Kemble Ave,
Morristown, NJ
 
Fruit growers and industry are invited to the North Jersey Tree Fruit Twilight Meeting on May 10 5:30 PM at Ken Wightman’s Farm.

The program includes: Wightman Farm orchard tour, fungicide update, chemical thinning of apple, and early season pests update.

NJDEP pesticide recertification credits (CORE, PP2 and 1A) will be offered.
See you there!
Download Flyer

For more information contact Morris County Ag Agent Peter Nitzsche @ (973) 285‑8304

Filed Under: Fruit, Tree Fruit