Commercial Ag Updates + Farm Food Safety

Rutgers Cooperative Extension Ag Agents provide updates on what they see in the field, upcoming events, and other important news that affects your operation, such as developments in on-farm Food Safety. Subscribe if you wish to be notified about workshops, meetings, and upcoming commercial ag events.
 
Subscriptions are available via EMAIL and RSS.

December 22, 2025

Farm, Fisher, and Aquaculture Wellness Study

The Rutgers Cooperative Extension Department of Family and Community Health Sciences is conducting a study to understand the impact of industry stressors related to the Farm, Fishery and Aquaculture industries.

As a member of the Farm, Fishery and Aquaculture industry, you are being invited to take part in this research. Your participation in the study is completely voluntary. If you agree to take part in this research, you will be asked to respond to survey questions that relate to your knowledge and experience about industry stressors. The survey takes approximately 5 minutes to complete and no information that can identify you will appear in any professional presentation or publication.

The survey and additional information can be found here: Farm, Fisher, Aquaculture Wellness Study

 

Filed Under: Commercial Ag Updates Tagged With: , ,
November 13, 2025

FREE Tick Disease Testing for NJ Cattle Available Through 2025

The New Jersey Department of Agriculture (NJDA) Division of Animal Health has launched a free testing program to partner with cattle producers and veterinarians to track and manage the emerging Theileria orientalis Ikeda parasite in New Jersey herds. Free testing is available until the end of the year (2025) to identify infected animals and guide response strategies. Producers are encouraged to contact their herd veterinarian or the NJDA Division of Animal Health (609-671-6400) for more information.

One-page flyer to alert NJ cattle producers of the free tick testing that is being offered through NJDA. Also has a QR code which directs to the link for a Theileria orientalis Producer Handout.

 

They also have released more information explaining the parasite Theileria orientalis Ikeda and signs/treatments available. This information can be found by scanning the QR code above or clicking the link below:

Click to access T_orientalis_Producer_Handout.pdf

 

 

Filed Under: Commercial Ag Updates, Field, Forage & Livestock
November 5, 2025 , , and

Two-day online Food Safety Modernization Act: Produce Safety Rule Training: December 9 and 10

The PSA Grower Training Course is one way to satisfy the FSMA Produce Safety Rule requirement outlined in § 112.22(c) that requires ‘At least one supervisor or responsible party for your farm must have successfully completed food safety training at least equivalent to that received under a standardized curriculum recognized as adequate by the Food and Drug Administration.’

You’ll need to attend both days to receive a certificate, and you must always have a camera on during the training according to the Produce Safety Alliance Online Training Policies.

For more information and to sign up go to: Our Trainings – Rutgers On-Farm Food Safety [onfarmfoodsafety.rutgers.edu] Registration closes November 14th.

Not sure if your farm falls under the Produce Safety Rule: Take this survey to find out: https://rutgers.ca1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_4IagP1mbPyrp42N [rutgers.ca1.qualtrics.com]

 

Filed Under: Commercial Ag Updates, Food Safety, Fruit, training, vegetable, Vegetable Crops
October 31, 2025

North Jersey Resource Conservation & Development (RC&D) Regenerative Farm Network Grazing School

Calling NJ Grazers!

Looking to improve pasture productivity, resilience, and farm profitability through better grazing and pasture management? Join the North Jersey RC&D for their 2026 Grazing School.

Whether you’re new or experienced, this program can help you gain practical tools, proven techniques, and valuable connections to improve your grazing system.

Flyer for the North Jersey Resource Conservation and Development (RC&D) 2026 Grazing School educational program.

About the event:
This two-day, hands-on workshop is designed for farmers and grazers of all experience levels who want to make the most of their pastures through adaptive grazing. Participants will gain practical tools and techniques to take their grazing management to the next level. More than just a class, Grazing School opens the door to ongoing, one-on-one farm support that continues well beyond the workshop. It’s an unbeatable mix of expert instruction, field-based learning, and extended technical assistance tailored to each farm.

More information on the program, including dates/location and registration details, can be found at: https://www.northjerseyrcd.org/grazing-school

Filed Under: Commercial Ag Updates, Field, Forage & Livestock
October 30, 2025

Workshops on Taxes, Estate, and Succession Planning

A flyer promoting workshops on taxes, estate, and succession planningThe NJ Department of Agriculture, State Agriculture Development Committee (SADC) has two upcoming workshops on ‘Taxes, Estate, and Succession Planning’ as they relate to farmland preservation. These in-person workshops are best suited for farmers, farm owners, and their professional advisors. This is not a series – select the workshop location closest to you. [Read more…]

Filed Under: Christmas Trees, Commercial Ag Updates, Field, Forage & Livestock, Fruit, Landscape, Nursery, & Turf, vegetable, Vegetable Crops Tagged With: , , ,
October 27, 2025

South Jersey Farmers – Stop the Bleed Training – February 2, 2026

STOP THE BLEED TRAINING
FOR FARMERS AND THE AGRICULTURAL COMMUNITY
REGISTRATION REQUIRED – NO COST

REGISTER USING THIS LINK OR QR CODE:
https://go.rutgers.edu/stopthebleed


DATE: MONDAY, FEBRUARY 2, 2026 TIME: 9:00AM
LOCATION: GLOUCESTER COUNTY OFFICE OF GOVERNMENT SERVICES
1200 N. DELSEA DR., CLAYTON, NJ

Rutgers Cooperative Extension’ Farm Health and Safety Team has partnered with the Gloucester County Emergency Services to provide “Stop the Bleed” training for the farming community.

Don’t miss this opportunity to learn the life-saving skills of pressure application, wound packing, and use of tourniquets. The first 25 registrants will also receive a complementary bleeding control kit.

Space is limited, register today.

If you have questions contact Rutgers Cooperative Extension of Gloucester County 856-224-8040 ext. 1 or email minfante@njaes.rutgers.edu

Rutgers Farm Health and Safety Team:
Agricultural Agents: Kate Brown, Michelle Infante-Casella, William Bamka, and Stephen Komar

Filed Under: Christmas Trees, Commercial Ag Updates, Field, Forage & Livestock, Food Safety, Fruit, Landscape, Nursery, & Turf, Nursery, Organic Production, training, Turf, vegetable, Vegetable Crops Tagged With: , ,