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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March 5, 2021

2021 Mid-Atlantic Field Crop Weed Management Guide

2021 Mid-Atlantic Field Crop Weed Management Guide

The 2021 updated version of the “Mid-Atlantic Field Crop Weed Management Guide” is available. This guide is produced by Penn State Extension in cooperation with weed scientists from University of Delaware, University of Maryland, Rutgers University, Virginia Tech, and West Virginia University.

The guide covers weed management  for field corn, sorghum, soybean, small grains, and forage and pastures. Information concerning the use,  restrictions, and recommendations of burndown, preemergence, and postemergence herbicides labeled on these crops can be found in the guide, including relative effectiveness data from locally conducted research. Description of the various premixes as well as guidance for  managing troublesome weeds are also part of the guide.

The guide  can be ordered on-line at https://extension.psu.edu/mid-atlantic-field-crop-weed-management-guide. Available to order are the paper copy for $10, the digital guide for $8, or both a hard copy and pdf for $18.

 

Filed Under: Commercial Ag Updates, Field, Forage & Livestock, Vegetable Crops Tagged With: , , ,
March 5, 2021

Comparing the Efficacy of Various Integrated Weed Management Tactics

Efficacy of Weed Management Tactics

Integrated weed management (IWM) combines various methods to reduce or eliminate the effect of weeds on crop production over time, using a combination of practices that are most effective for solving specific weed issues. These weed management techniques form a “toolbox” in which each “tool” can be integrated into a weed management plan catered to the particular farm and problem. The toolbox includes preventative, biological, chemical, cultural, and mechanical strategies. IWM also considers the weed species present and tailors strategies for these species.

A collaborative effort led by Dr. Michael Flessner with Virginia Tec has been developed to compare the efficacy of various integrated weed management tactics before and after planting at reducing the impact of common troublesome weed species. Other universities of the Mid-Atlantic Region (Rutgers, West Virginia University, Penn State, University of Delaware, and University of Maryland) have also participated to this project.

A poster providing relative effectiveness of various integrated weed management tactics for summer annual crops is now available (https://agweedsci.spes.vt.edu/extension/publications/iwm.html) and will help growers identify the most effective tactics to manage weeds.

Filed Under: Blueberry, Commercial Ag Updates, Cranberry, Field, Forage & Livestock, Fruit, Organic Production, Strawberry, Tree Fruit, Vegetable Crops, Wine Grape Tagged With: ,
March 4, 2021

Cultivating a Farm State of Mind About Mental Health

American Farm Bureau Federation’s 2021 Ag Safety Awareness Program (ASAP) Week, which is taking place from February 28 to March 6, was created to bring awareness to safety and health issues facing the agriculture industry.

For farmers and ranchers, stress is a way of life. They depend on many factors that are out of their control, like weather, commodity prices, availability of labor, trade markets and a lot more. With the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, their stress levels have gone even higher and in many cases are reaching the breaking point.AG Safety Awareness

A new survey from the American Farm Bureau found that more than half of rural adults and farmers/farmworkers say they are personally experiencing more mental health challenges than they were a year ago. Two in three farmers/farmworkers say the COVID-19 pandemic has impacted their mental health, and two in three have experienced feeling nervous, anxious or on edge during the pandemic. The percentage of farmers/farmworkers who say social isolation impacts farmers’ mental health increased 22% since April 2019, a significant finding given the long hours many farmers work alone.

This should be a wake-up call for everyone in the agriculture community, and we should all be doing our part to help.

As part of Agricultural Safety Awareness Week (Feb. 28 – March 6), Farm Bureau encourages everyone to learn to recognize the warning signs of chronic stress, engage in conversations and lend a helping hand.

When loved ones, neighbors or others we care about are experiencing mental health challenges, they may not even realize it, so it’s important to look for signs that they may be at risk. These include things like changes in routines or social activities, decline in appearance of
the farm or the care of domestic animals, increase in farm accidents, increase in illnesses or other chronic conditions, or decreased interest in activities or events.

If you see any of these signs, it’s time to show you care. It may feel like it’s out of your comfort zone, but there are simple ways to start a conversation. Remind them of something they’ve said about what’s concerning them, and express interest. Acknowledge what they’re going through. Share a habit you’ve seen change. And if you’re concerned, don’t wait for them to ask for help. Offer to help connect them to the many resources that are available for support. What matters most is showing genuine care and empathy, and listening.

It’s time we all took a stand to help those around us who may be experiencing the effects of chronic stress. Visit the Farm State of Mind website for more information about the warning signs of stress, tips for helping someone in emotional pain, ways to start a conversation, crisis hotlines, treatment locators and additional resources for managing stress, anxiety or depression. If we all do our part to help, we can strengthen our rural and farming communities and shine a ray of hope on those we care about.

Filed Under: Commercial Ag Updates, Field, Forage & Livestock, Fruit, Organic Production, Vegetable Crops Tagged With: , ,
March 2, 2021

Rutgers Livestock Processing Needs Assessment Survey

Dear New Jersey Livestock Producer,

Thank you for your interest in the 2021, Rutgers Livestock Processing Needs Assessment Survey.  The purpose of this study is:

1) To evaluate the status of livestock slaughtering and processing capabilities in New Jersey.

2) To assess the needs of the livestock industry, related to livestock processing and marketing.

3) To determine any additional needs that would enhance the profitability of the livestock industry in New Jersey.

 

If you raise livestock and poultry that ultimately are marketed as a processed meat product, your participation in this survey would be greatly appreciated and will help us to determine the status of this industry and determine the challenges and opportunities for growth in the future.

 

To participate in this study, please click this link and participate before April 9th, 2021 https://go.rutgers.edu/RUMeatProcessing

If you have any questions, please email Dr. Mike Westendorf @ michael.westendorf@rutgers.edu

Filed Under: Commercial Ag Updates, Field, Forage & Livestock
March 1, 2021

Governor Murphy Announces Expansion of Eligibility for New Jersey’s COVID-19 Vaccination Program

Secretary Fisher would like to share the following Press Release from Governor Murphy regarding the vaccination of farmworkers.

“A healthy workforce is of critical importance for agriculture and the food industry supply chain,” said New Jersey Department of Agriculture Secretary Douglas H. Fisher. “We appreciate that Governor Murphy has prioritized the vaccination of our essential farmworkers as we ramp up for New Jersey’s growing season.”

Governor Murphy Announces Expansion of Eligibility for New Jersey’s COVID-19 Vaccination Program

Expansion Includes Educators, Childcare Workers, Transportation Workers, and Other Frontline Essential Workers and High-Risk Groups

TRENTON – Governor Murphy today announced the expansion of eligibility for more frontline essential workers and high-risk groups in New Jersey’s COVID-19 vaccination program. Eligible groups include educators and staff in pre-k through 12th grade settings, childcare workers, and transportation workers, among others.

“Our administration has built the infrastructure – including nearly 300 vaccination sites across the state – needed to support New Jersey’s COVID-19 vaccination demand,” said Governor Murphy. “As the federal government continues to make more vaccine doses available, we are confident in our ability to expand our vaccination program to reach more of our essential workers and vulnerable populations. Our goal is to provide every New Jerseyan with a vaccine when it is available and they are eligible.”

“As vaccine supply increases, this phased expansion of new eligibility groups keeps New Jersey moving forward toward our goal of vaccinating 70 percent of the eligible adult population,” said New Jersey Department of Health Commissioner Judith Persichilli.

Beginning Monday, March 15, the following categories are eligible for vaccination:

  • Educators, including support staff, in pre-K through 12th grade settings;
  • Childcare workers in licensed and registered settings;
  • Public and local transportation workers, including bus, taxi, rideshare, and airport employees; NJ TRANSIT workers; and Motor Vehicle Commission staff;
  • Public safety workers who are not sworn law enforcement or fire professionals, including probation officers and fire safety inspectors;
  • Migrant farm workers;
  • Members of tribal communities; and,
  • Individuals experiencing homelessness and those living in shelters, including domestic violence shelters.

Additionally, beginning on Monday, March 29, frontline essential workers in the following categories are also eligible for vaccination:

  • Food production, agriculture, and food distribution;
  • Eldercare and support;
  • Warehousing and logistics;
  • Social services support staff;
  • Elections personnel;
  • Hospitality;
  • Medical supply chain;
  • Postal and shipping services;
  • Clergy; and,
  • Judicial system.

Additionally, the eligibility list will indicate that all individuals ages 16-64 with certain medical conditions, as defined by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), that increase the risk or might increase the risk of severe illness from the virus, are eligible for the COVID-19 vaccination.

For more information about eligibility, statewide vaccination site locations, and to preregister for a vaccination, visit https://covid19.nj.gov/vaccine

For more information on CDC criteria for eligibility, please click here. 

Filed Under: Commercial Ag Updates, Field, Forage & Livestock, Fruit, Landscape, Nursery, & Turf, Vegetable Crops Tagged With: , , , , , , ,
March 1, 2021

‘Driving Safety Home’ is Theme of Agricultural Safety Awareness Program Week, Feb. 28 – March 6

Sharing resources that will help farmers and ranchers keep safety top of mind through the Agricultural Safety Awareness Program (ASAP) is a priority of county and state Farm Bureau leaders across the nation. As part of ASAP, Feb. 28 – March 6 has been designated as Agricultural Safety Awareness Week. U.S. Agricultural Safety and Health Centers will join Farm Bureau in promoting the week with its theme “Driving Safety Home.”

A different safety focus will be highlighted by Farm Bureau and U.S. Ag Centers each day of the week:AG Safety Awareness

  • Monday, March 1 – Farmer Roadway Safety
  • Tuesday, March 2 – Caretaker Support
  • Wednesday, March 3 – General Farmer Wellness
  • Thursday, March 4 – Mental Health
  • Friday, March 5 – Community Roadway Safety

During this week and throughout the year, Farm Bureau encourages farmers to make safety a priority on the farm.

The Agricultural Safety Awareness Program is a part of the Farm Bureau Health and Safety Network of professionals who share an interest in identifying and decreasing safety and health risks. For more information and resources, visit the ASAP Facebook page.

Visit the Centers’ YouTube channel (www.youtube.com/user/USagCenters) for new content and fresh ideas about how to stay safe while working in agriculture, forestry and fishing. Join the movement to keep farms safe and share your own safety messages on social media using the hashtags #KeepFarmsSafe, #ASAP21 and #USAgCenters.

The 11 U.S. Agricultural Safety and Health Centers (www.cdc.gov/niosh/oep/agctrhom.html) are funded by the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health.

Filed Under: Commercial Ag Updates, Field, Forage & Livestock, Fruit, Vegetable Crops Tagged With: , , ,