Large crabgrass can form robust root systems thanks to its numerous tillers and capacity to root at stem nodes, allowing it to out-compete crops for moisture and nutrients. Understanding the life cycle and biology of large crabgrass is key to figuring out the best options for its control on your farm. Learn more about non-herbicide life cycle disruptions that can be used in the development of a short and long term management plan through the large crabgrass decision tool fact sheet and an informational video. These resources are one of a five-part weed management series created by Extension Specialist Thierry Besancon and County Agricultural Agent Meredith Melendez, funded by USDA Specialty Crop Block Grant AM190100
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Non-herbicide Management Options for Large Crabgrass in Specialty Crops
Non-herbicide Management Options for Canada Thistle in Specialty Crops
Canada thistle can be difficult to manage because of its deep taproot, perennial growth, and ability to reproduce through both seed dispersal and root shoots. Learn more about non-herbicide life cycle disruptions that can be used in the development of a short and long term management plan through the Canda thistle decision tool fact sheet and an informational video. These resources are one of a five-part weed management series funded by USDA Specialty Crop Block Grant AM190100.
Postharvest Backflow Prevention Strategies for Produce Farms
Listen to Wes Kline discuss how to build a one-way street for water in produce packinghouses. The fundamentals of water distribution, the FSMA PSR, and practical ways of implementing backflow prevention are covered. Click on the image below to access the YouTube video.
Non-Herbicide Nutsedge Management Resources for Specialty Crop Growers
Learn more about the weed nutsedge and appropriate management strategies based on the plants growth preferences and dislikes. These resources can be used to develop a short and long term management plan for nutsedge control. Visit the NJAES Weed Management YouTube playlist for a video presentation or download our nutsedge decision tool fact sheet. These resources are one of a five-part weed management series funded by USDA Specialty Crop Block Grant AM190100.
NJ Bag Ban Update Impacting Direct Market Farms
We have continued to receive questions and comments about the NJ Bag Ban and its impact on farm markets. These questions and comments have been specifically focused on the fact that the ban does not clearly state what types of plastic bags can be used to bag exempted items, including produce. We have received mixed communication about the use of t-shirt style bags for exempted items. The original PPA post on the ban has been updated to reflect this lack of clarity about the enforcement of the bag ban on exempted items. We encourage farms using t-shirt style bags to communicate with their municipality or county, depending on who will be enforcing this ban at their sales locations, to find out how enforcement personnel plan to interpret the law. The law states that those who are out of compliance with the ban will be given a warning for a first offence, a $1000 per day fine for a second offence, and a $5000 a day fine per day for third and subsequent offences. We hope official guidance from DEP will be forthcoming to clarify the law section pertaining to plastic bags for exempted items. Information on the bag ban from the state can be found online.
Farms and the New Jersey Cottage Food Law – Q&A
New Jersey farms may be interested in adding Cottage Food products to their product line at their farm stands and markets. The Cottage Food Law is very specific about the types of products it covers, the total sales value of the Cottage Food products, and the production location of these products. Municipalities must be consulted prior to a permit application submittal, and we know of some instances where local ordinances and zoning have prohibited Cottage Food activities. Answers to some common questions are below.
What type of business can operate under the NJ Cottage Food Law?
Businesses who choose to produce products allowed under the law (see below), using a home kitchen, and who sell less than $50,000 of cottage food law covered products must comply with the provisions of the Cottage Food Law. The law allows production of the products listed below only in home kitchens. No other facilities may be used for the production of these Cottage Food items.
What are the food items covered by the NJ Cottage Food Law?
Baked goods that do not require refrigeration.
Candies
Chocolate covered nuts and fruits
Dried fruit
Dried herbs and seasonings, and mixes
Dried pasta
Dry baking mix
Fruit jams, fruit jellies, and fruit preserves
Fruit pies, fruit empanadas, fruit tamales (not pumpkin)
Fudge
Granola, cereal, and trail mix
Sweet sorghum syrup
Nuts and nut mixtures
Nut butters
Popcorn and caramel corn
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