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.
 
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June 3, 2026

Late-Planted Corn in Southern New Jersey: What to Expect and How to Manage in 2026

USDA reports indicate that 93% of the U.S. corn crop was planted by May 31, 2026, slightly ahead of the five-year average, with strong emergence (76%) and 67% of the crop rated good to excellent. However, national progress does not always reflect local conditions. In southern New Jersey (NJ), cooler soil temperatures and variable field conditions pushed some planting into late May and early June. Understanding how these later planting dates influence corn growth and management is critical for optimizing yield potential this season.

Key Takeaways for Growers

  • Yield potential declines with delayed planting after mid-May: Corn planted in early June typically experiences a 5 to 15% yield reduction compared to mid-May planting in the Mid-Atlantic, depending on hybrid maturity and late-season weather.
  • Shorter vegetative period means fewer kernels per ear: Later planting compresses vegetative growth, often reducing leaf area development, kernel rows and kernel number per ear. This is the primary driver of yield loss, not necessarily kernel weight.
  • Higher risk of heat stress during pollination: June-planted corn is more likely to tassel and silk during peak July heat, increasing risk of poor pollination and kernel abortion.
  • Grain fill may extend into cooler fall conditions: Later planting can push grain fill into September–October, increasing risk of slower dry-down, higher grain moisture at harvest, and potential early frost damage (in extreme cases).

Nutrient and Soil Considerations

  • Nitrogen (N) management becomes more critical as rapid early growth in warmer soils can increase N demand. So, consider split N applications or sidedress timing carefully (V5–V7 window still key).
  • Sulfur (S) deficiency risk may increase as warmer, wetter early-season conditions can enhance S leaching in sandy NJ soils. Visual symptoms may appear earlier in late-planted corn due to rapid growth.
  • Potassium (K) uptake timing is compressed as K uptake peaks around V6–VT. So, ensure adequate soil K, especially in coastal plain sandy soils.

Management Adjustments for Late-Planted Corn

  • Consider slightly shorter maturity hybrids if planting delayed beyond mid-June. However, for early June planting, most full-season hybrids are still acceptable.
  • Increase scouting frequency as faster growth means shorter windows to correct deficiencies. Pay attention to N deficiency (lower leaves yellowing) and S deficiency (upper leaves yellowing).
  • Weed control timing is tighter as corn canopy closes faster making narrower herbicide application window.
  • Monitor soil moisture closely as late-planted corn often has higher evapotranspiration demand during peak summer.

Summary

  • Corn planted in early June may face moderate yield risk, but not a major loss under good conditions.
  • The 2026 season will largely depend on weather during pollination (July) and timely nutrient management, especially N and S.
  • With proper in-season management and favorable weather, much of the yield potential can still be preserved.

References

  • Squire, M. 2026. USDA Releases First 2026 Corn Condition Ratings. Successful Farming, June 2, 2026.
  • Crop Progress (June 2026) 19 USDA, National Agricultural Statistics Service (chrome-extension://efaidnbmnnnibpcajpcglclefindmkaj/https://esmis.nal.usda.gov/sites/default/release-files/795928/prog2226.pdf)
Filed Under: Commercial Ag Updates, Field, Forage & Livestock, Organic Production
May 25, 2026

Networks to Reduce Risk: Field trip to Montclair Community Farms and Program Wrap up

Join us on Saturday, June 13, 2026, for the final event of the Networks to Reduce Risk: Building Viable NJ Farms program! We’re celebrating with a special field trip to Montclair Community Farms from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. This fun wrap‑up event offers a great chance to explore urban agriculture, learn about sustainability and community food systems, and connect with fellow participants. Light snacks and refreshments will be provided, and it’s the perfect opportunity to take photos and close out the program together. Registration is just $5—save your spot today! You can register at: https://go.rutgers.edu/lxjqrrv7
Filed Under: Christmas Trees, Commercial Ag Updates, Field, Forage & Livestock, Fruit, Landscape, Nursery, & Turf, Vegetable Crops Tagged With: , , ,
May 19, 2026

Grower Survey: Interest in Ginger and Turmeric Production in New Jersey?

Rutgers Cooperative Extension is seeking input from New Jersey growers regarding their interest in producing ginger and turmeric as specialty crops in the state. Information collected through this survey will help identify current production practices, perceived challenges, and research and Extension needs associated with ginger and turmeric production in the region.

Survey responses will also contribute to the development of a multi-state Specialty Crop Research Initiative (SCRI) preproposal led by University of Georgia, with Rutgers contributing to the weed management component of the project. The goal of this effort is to better understand grower needs and support future research and Extension programming focused on sustainable production practices for these emerging specialty crops.

The survey is brief and should take only a few minutes to complete.

Access the survey here:
Ginger and Turmeric Grower Interest Survey

We encourage participation from growers currently producing ginger or turmeric, as well as those interested in potentially incorporating these crops into their farming operation.

Thank you for your participation and support

Filed Under: Commercial Ag Updates, Vegetable Crops Tagged With: , , ,
May 18, 2026

Protecting your crops from heat stress

Spring in NJ this year has certainly been a whirlwind of conditions. While a few short weeks ago many were battling freezing temperatures, we now face extreme heat. Heat damage typically occurs when temperatures are sustained above 86℉ for long periods. With temperatures in the upper 90s and potentially exceeding 100℉ in some locations this week, you should take extra measures to protect your crops from heat damage. Newly planted transplants and young seedlings with shallow roots are particularly sensitive to extreme heat.

Symptoms of heat stress and heat damage including wilting, cupping of leaves, scorching on leaves and stems, and leaf drop.

 

Figure 3. Burning along the edges of leaves on romaine

Heat damage on romaine lettuce. Photo: RF Smith and MD Cahn, U of CA

Increasing irrigation is the best mitigation for most systems. Evaporative cooling allows plants to release heat in the form of water vapor through open pores or stomata on their leaves. When plants are low on water, they will close their stomata to retain turgidity, which in turn prevents evaporative cooling. To compensate for this, increase irrigation to prevent desiccation.

Planting on black plastic mulch should be avoided in the summer, as it will cause overheating. White plastic or metalized mulches are effective alternatives to control weeds, increase soil water retention, and reduce soil temperature. If black mulch is used, a foliar application of kaolin clay can be used as a reflective layer. Work conducted by R.J.G. Taveras at Virginia Tech found that applying 20-40 lb/A of Kaolin clay could maintain soil temperatures 10℉ cooler than black plastic alone.

Shade cloth can be placed over stakes or hoops to reduce soil and air temperature. Work by Dr. Emmalea Ernest at the University of DE found 30% shade cloth optimized benefits of cooling without reducing sunlight too drastically for the majority of vegetable crops.

Finally, avoid fertilizing or applying pesticides when temperatures are consistently above 86℉ to prevent burning the crop. Consult the product’s label for more specific guidance.

Contact your County Agent with concerns or questions. Stay cool!

Filed Under: Commercial Ag Updates, vegetable, Vegetable Crops Tagged With:
May 15, 2026

NJDA Survey for 250+ Year Old NJ Farms

The New Jersey Department of Agriculture needs your help! The Department is gathering information on New Jersey farms that are 250 years old or older, as USDA and NASDA are recognizing farms marking 250+ years as part of the national Freedom250 celebration.

If your farm or a farm you know qualifies, please complete NJDA’s short form by clicking here — the submission deadline is this coming Monday, 5/18.

Filed Under: Blueberry, Commercial Ag Updates, Field, Forage & Livestock, Fruit, Landscape, Nursery, & Turf, Tree Fruit, Vegetable Crops Tagged With: ,
May 11, 2026

Networks to Reduce Risk: Field trip to Montclair Community Farms and Program Wrap up

Join us on Saturday, June 13, 2026, for the final event of the Networks to Reduce Risk: Building Viable NJ Farms program! We’re celebrating with a special field trip to Montclair Community Farms from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. This fun wrap‑up event offers a great chance to explore urban agriculture, learn about sustainability and community food systems, and connect with fellow participants. Light snacks and refreshments will be provided, and it’s the perfect opportunity to take photos and close out the program together. Registration is just $5—save your spot today! You can register at: https://go.rutgers.edu/lxjqrrv7
Filed Under: Christmas Trees, Commercial Ag Updates, Field, Forage & Livestock, Fruit, Landscape, Nursery, & Turf, Vegetable Crops Tagged With: , , ,