January 5, 2023

Worker Training and Sanitizer Labeling and Use Recorded Webinars Now Available

We continue to see the need for resources focusing on farm worker training and sanitizers.  We invited to produce safety experts to discuss the topics on recorded webinars.  These recordings are now available for viewing on the Rutgers NJAES YouTube Produce Safety playlist.

Retraining and Upskilling Workers on Produce Safety Best Practices by Phillip Tocco, MSU Extension

Using Sanitizers in a Postharvest Setting: Selecting a Sanitizer and Understanding Its Label by Donna Clements, Produce Safety Alliance

Additional information can be found on the Rutgers On-Farm Food Safety website, including upcoming FSMA PSR trainings, USDA third-party audit workshops, and future webinars.

Filed Under: Food Safety, Fruit, Vegetable Crops
September 22, 2022

Redroot and Smooth Pigweed: Non-Herbicide Management Options in Specialty Crops

Redroot and smooth pigweeds reproduce in abundance by seed which is easily transported across a farm. Using knowledge about the life cycle of this weed is important when making management decisions that require time and effort throughout a growing season. Learn more about non-herbicide management methods to control smooth and redroot pigweed populations on your farm by using the smooth and redroot pigweed decision tool fact sheet and a companion presentation.  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.  You can provide feedback through an online survey about these resources.Redroot plant sprouting

Filed Under: Commercial Ag Updates, Fruit, Vegetable Crops
September 16, 2022

Hairy Galinsoga: Non-Herbicide Management Options in Specialty Crops

Hairy galinsoga spreads throughout a farm by seeds that germinate quickly once exposed to light, with multiple generations in a growing season.  Using knowledge about the life cycle of this weed is important when making management decisions that require time and effort throughout a growing season. Learn more about non-herbicide management methods to control hairy galinsoga populations on your farm by using the hairy galinsoga decision tool fact sheet and a companion presentation.  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.  You can provide feedback through an online survey about these resources.Hairy galinsoga

Filed Under: Commercial Ag Updates, Fruit, Vegetable Crops
August 29, 2022

Non-herbicide Management Options for Large Crabgrass in Specialty Crops

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 AM190100Crabgrass. Provide feedback on these resources through an online survey.

Filed Under: Commercial Ag Updates, Fruit, Landscape, Nursery, & Turf, Organic Production, Vegetable Crops
August 15, 2022

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.

Filed Under: Commercial Ag Updates, Fruit, Organic Production, Vegetable Crops
August 9, 2022

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.

Filed Under: Commercial Ag Updates, Food Safety, Fruit, Organic Production, Vegetable Crops