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.

March 17, 2021

Attention Tree Fruit Growers

Ask the Expert Series Orchard Edition

Please Join us for an Interactive Discussion on Tree Fruit Diseases to Prepare for in 2021

March 24     9AM-10AM

Zoom Link: https://go.rutgers.edu/ywve4sbu

QR code

Meeting ID: 978 2658 5787

Password: 381884

Join by Phone: 1 646 558 8656

 

Expert Panelists Norm Lalancette PhD Rutgers U. Tree Fruit Pathologist

and

Kari Peter PhD Penn State U. Tree Fruit Pathologist

will be discussing tree fruit disease management

 

Remember this is intended to be an INTERACTIVE discussion.

Prior to Wednesday March 24 Please E-mail ALL of your Tree Fruit Disease Questions to:

Megan Muehlbauer muehlbauer@njaes.rutgers.edu

Or

Hemant Gohil gohil@njaes.rutgers.edu

Prepare to have a lively interactive discussion between the experts and your fellow New Jersey tree fruit growers!

Filed Under: Commercial Ag Updates, Fruit, Tree Fruit, Uncategorized
March 17, 2021

Obtaining your local Growing Degree-day information

Why use local growing degree-day models?

  1. You need to know local growing degree-day accumulation values to use pest scouting/management target lists like this. 
  2. Timing is everything in pest management! Degree-day models allow us to predict when to scout for pests and when to target vulnerable life stages of pest development.
  3. Growing degree-days (GDD50) refer to the of accumulation heating units, which are the average air temperature over a 24h period minus the minimum temperature threshold. To be considered a ‘growing’ degree-day, the minimum (or base) temperature threshold is 50°F.
  4. GDD50 can be used to determine when pest life stage events such as egg hatch, adult emergence, crawler activity, adult flight, and others are likely to occur.
  5. Many times plant and insect developmental stages coincide, thus Plant Phenological Indicators can be utilized to accurately scout for pests.
  6. Luckily, we do not need to manually enter or track this data due to the availability of FREE online tools.

Important notes about growing degree-day models:

  1. These models do not replace scouting. They should guide scouting efforts and pest management programs, once the vulnerable life stage or economic threshold of a pest is recorded. Observations at a local level for specific pests is critical to IPM efforts and further refinement of degree-day-based predictions.
  2. GDD50 values for pest development are not exact, rather they should be viewed as a range. 
  3. The growing degree-day model (GDD50) is general by design. Some insect pests have specific formulas for their growth and development (some examples here). However, the GDD50 model is useful for many pests and plant species.
  4. Many GDD50 target values were developed in other parts of the country and should be ‘ground truthed’ at a local level. Blind applications of pesticides, without truthing pest development, may not deliver desired outcomes.

Two examples of degree-day calculators with instructions:

USPEST.org (home page) delivers a wide variety of degree-day, climatic, and risk-based modeling tools for various applications in agriculture. This resource also has a number of important disease predictive tools such as the Boxwood Blight Risk Model. The USPEST growing degree-day application allows for day-to-day monitoring as well as historical and predictive data. The following directions seem complicated but after a few attempts, it is easy to become proficient with this incredibly powerful modeling system. Remember BASE TEMP MUST = 50°F (for all models to be considered a ‘growing’ degree-day model)

Table 1. Uspest.org – Degree-day / Phenology Model – quick reference guide
Step # Tab Sub-category Instructions Notes
– Intro – Educational Detailed instructions
1 Station Search bar Enter – area code, town, or weather station code example zip code: 08302
Drop-down menu Select – location of interest example: NJ50 = Upper Deerfield
2 Model Model Category Select – all models –
Model Select – degree-day calculator (general purpose) Many interesting degree-day calculators are available
Calculation Method Select – Simple average/growing dds  Average air temperature over 24 hours minus lower (base) temperature threshold
Lower Input – 50 ℉  50℉ : lower threshold must be used for ‘growing’ degree-day predictions/charts
Upper Input – 95 ℉ 95℉ : often used as upper temperature threshold value
Dates Select – date range Can be current, past, or future date ranges
Options Optional* – modify forecast type Default forecasting model: NMME (North American Multi-Model Ensemble)
3 Output Model Output Select – show full table (daily GDD accumulation) ‘DDs cumu’ = accumulated degree-days from selected start date
4 Graph Graph No action required Graphical display of current year, forecasts, and previous years based on ‘Dates’ selected
Link: https://uspest.org/dd/model_app

 

NEWA (homepage). Cornell University in cooperation with twenty-eight other groups and universities (including Rutgers) coordinate NEWA. NEWA contains a wide variety of robust degree-day models, climatic information and maps, and risk-based modeling tools for various applications in multitude crop systems. This resource also has a number of very useful, disease specific, predictive / monitoring / management tools for fruit, row, and vegetable crop diseases in addition to their growing degree-day model  (limited forecasting).

  • NEWA growing degree-day model instructions: State: select a state in the USA; Weather Station = find a local station from the list or click on the map; Degree-day type = Degree Days – Base 50. Then select the time range you wish to view. Once completed press Get Report. The results will display current and a 5-day forecast.

Informative resources: 

Please contact Tim Waller – Cumberland Co. Extension (Nursery Agent) if you need assistance setting up and using these powerful tools. (twaller@njaes.rutgers.edu)

Filed Under: Commercial Ag Updates, Landscape, Nursery, & Turf, Nursery, Turf Tagged With: , , , , , ,
March 17, 2021

Upcoming Schedule for ‘Ask the Expert Series Orchard Edition’ Discussions

Attention Tree Fruit Growers

The Rutgers University Tree Fruit Extension Team is looking forward to the 2021 growing season however, given the current restrictions  we will be altering the meeting format this year.  Since we are all suffering from Zoom Webex Skype fatigue, we are going to put a pause on our yearly (day long) North and South Jersey Tree Fruit meetings and instead,  hold one Hour ‘Ask the Expert Series Orchard Edition’ talk/discussions.

Beginning March 24 we will be hosting  one-hour virtual discussions,   on timely topics where YOU the growers are encouraged to ask the experts questions on all things tree fruit.

Where: Online

            Zoom meeting links will be posted to the Plant and Pest Advisory AND E-mailed to Tree Fruit Growers on Rutgers List Serves 1 week prior to each meeting.

When: 9 AM-10 AM (dates below)

Note that we plan to offer CORE and PP2 credits for some of the sessions.

If you are interested in additional session topics and/or expert please let us know!  These sessions are meant to specifically address your needs/interests.

Meeting/Discussion Dates, and Topics

Meeting Date Topic
March 24 Tree Fruit Diseases to Prepare For in 2021
April 7 Apple Thinning using Plant Growth Regulators
April 21 2021 Tree Fruit Insect Pests What’s that Buzz in the Orchard?
May 5 Orchard Soil Fertility From the Ground Up
May 19 Pesticide Safety Talk CORE pesticide credits will be offered
June 2 Timely discussions on issues that arise as the season progresses.
July 14 Timely discussions on issues that arise as the season progresses.
August 4 Timely discussions on issues that arise as the season progresses.

 

Help us to help you!  Please submit questions and discussion topics

 in advance of sessions to

Megan Muehlbauer muehlbauer@njaes.rutgers.edu or

Hemant Gohil gohil@njaes.rutgers.edu

 

Filed Under: Commercial Ag Updates, Fruit, Tree Fruit, Uncategorized
March 15, 2021

Ag Employers Urged to Submit Survey to Sign Up for Vaccinations for Your Migrant Farm Workers & Other Employees

In the attached letter, NJ Secretary of Agriculture Doug Fisher encourages you to participate in a brief online survey to sign up your farmworkers for COVID-19 vaccinations. As stated, once your information is received by the Department of Health, it will be routed to a local Health official who will contact you to schedule vaccinations on your farm or at a standing location. Please complete the survey by March 23, 2021.

Sign up for the opportunity to get your workforce vaccinated against COVID-19!

Dear Agricultural Employer:

Effective March 15, 2021, migrant farm workers are eligible to receive the vaccine. In an effort to help migrant farm workers access the vaccine and continue to support the agriculture industry and food chain in New Jersey, an agricultural vaccine program is being created to partner farms with Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs) to help vaccinate you and your workforce.

If your business participates, all adults aged 18 years or older who live or work on the farm will be eligible to receive the Johnson & Johnson single dose vaccine, administered by FQHCs. If you are interested in joining a vaccination program tailored to the needs of the agricultural community, please sign up at http://healthsurveys.nj.gov/NoviSurvey/n/zz2jr.aspx. Since interest is quite high, we ask that you complete the survey by Tuesday, March 23, 2021.

Outside of this dedicated agricultural vaccine program, effective March 29, 2021, you and your non-migrant workforce are eligible to receive the COVID-19 vaccine.

Questions you may have about the vaccine and COVID-19:

  • Can I lift mask-wearing and other health and safety protocols/mandates at my business, where my workers live on-site, or in group transportation once my entire workforce has been vaccinated?
    ➢ No. Vaccines are only an additional layer of protection. Employers and their workers need to continue to follow health and safety protocols as currently mandated by the state. Information on protocols currently in place is available at https://covid19.nj.gov/faqs/nj-information/slowing-the-spread/where-can-i-find-guidance-on-best-practices-to-maintain-the-health-and-safety-of-seasonal-farmworkers-what-rules-are-in-place-and-what-resources-are-available 
  • Is the vaccine safe and which vaccine will my workforce, my family and I be receiving?
    ➢ Yes, the vaccine is safe. The vaccine which will be offered is the single-dose COVID19 vaccine developed by the Janssen Pharmaceutical Companies of Johnson & Johnson (J&J), to prevent COVID-19 in individuals 18 years of age and older. The J&J vaccine is the state’s first choice for the agricultural community because it only requires administration of a single-dose, and it can also be stored at refrigerator temperature thus making it possible to bring the vaccine to the farms reliably. In addition, it is important we create immunity rapidly in settings where workers, such as migrant workers, live in congregate housing, rely on group transportation and work in close proximity to one another. Learn more about the different vaccines at https://covid19.nj.gov/faqs/nj-information/slowing-the-spread/how-do-covid-19-vaccines-work#direct-link
  • Can I require my workforce to get the COVID-19 vaccine in order to seek employment with me?
    ➢ Yes. An employer can require that an employee receive the COVID-19 vaccine in order to return to the workplace, unless the employee cannot get the vaccine because of a disability, because their doctor has advised them not to get the vaccine while pregnant or breastfeeding, or because of a sincerely held religious belief, practice, or observance.

  • Do I need to participate in this agricultural vaccine program in order to personally receive a vaccine?
    ➢ No. The agricultural vaccine program is being set up to support access to the vaccine for your agricultural workforce, especially your migrant workforce which will face challenges accessing the vaccine otherwise. Your business is strongly encouraged to participate to help your workers become vaccinated and you too can get vaccinated through an FQHC. However, once you are personally eligible to receive the vaccine, you can alternatively choose to book your individual vaccine appointment on your own through the State-run NJ Vaccine Scheduling System or directly with any of the vaccination locations throughout the state. You can learn more about appointment scheduling at https://covid19.nj.gov/pages/vaccine.
  • Can my employees use paid sick leave to get their vaccine?
    ➢ Yes. Under NJ state law, employers must provide up to 40 hours of paid Earned Sick Leave to their full- and part-time employees, including migrant and seasonal employees. Employees can use their earned sick leave to get vaccinated for COVID19. Learn more about New Jersey’s earned sick leave law at
    https://www.nj.gov/labor/worker-protections/earnedsick/law.shtml
Filed Under: Commercial Ag Updates, Field, Forage & Livestock, Fruit, Landscape, Nursery, & Turf, Vegetable Crops Tagged With: , , , , , , , ,
March 11, 2021

Central Jersey Vegetable Growers Meeting

Registration is now open for the 2021 Central Jersey Vegetable Growers Meeting.

This year’s event will be held virtually on March 24th from 2:00 – 5:30pm.

This annual event is brought to you by Rutgers Cooperative Extension of Monmouth, Middlesex, Mercer, Burlington, Ocean & Somerset Counties. Seminar topics will benefit those who are involved in commercial production of vegetables and specialty crops.

Pesticide Credits Offered:

  • Core: 1 credit
  • 1A: 4 credits
  • 10: 3 credits
  • PP2: 4 credits

Educational Presentations:

  • Pesticide Safety for Applicators and Handlers: George Hamilton, Ph.D., Specialist in Pest Management
  • Using Growing Degree Day Models: Tim Waller, Ph.D., Agriculture Agent – RCE Cumberland County
  • Cream Ridge IPM Research Updates: William Errickson, Agriculture Agent – RCE Monmouth County & William Hlubik, Agriculture Agent – RCE Middlesex County
  • Challenges in Managing Corn Earworm in Sweet Corn: Kris Holmstrom, Research Program Coordinator in Vegetables
  • Weed Management in Vine and Cole Crops: Thierry Besancon, Ph.D., Specialist in Weed Science
  • Vegetable Disease Updates: Andy Wyenandt, Ph.D., Specialist in Vegetable Crops

For more information and to register, visit https://go.rutgers.edu/2obo91hl

Registration Fee: $15

Filed Under: Commercial Ag Updates, Vegetable Crops Tagged With: ,
March 5, 2021

Value-Added Producer Grants in New Jersey

Grant.gov applications are due by April 29, 2021 and
paper applications must be postmarked by May 4, 2021

The Value-Added Producer Grant (VAPG) program administered by the USDA’s Rural Development Agency (RD), helps agricultural producers enter into value-added activities related to the processing and marketing of new products. The goals of this program are to generate new products, create and expand marketing opportunities, and increase producer income. [Read more…]

Filed Under: Blueberry, Commercial Ag Updates, Cranberry, Field, Forage & Livestock, Food Safety, Fruit, Landscape, Nursery, & Turf, Strawberry, Tree Fruit, Vegetable Crops, Wine Grape Tagged With: , ,