Register here or use the QR code:
https://go.rutgers.edu/RUReadytoFarmEquipmentDemo
May 8, 2024 Rick VanVranken
RU Ready to Farm Equipment Demo Day at Specialty Crop Research Farm – Cream Ridge
May 7, 2024 Rick VanVranken
Heat and Pollen Combine For Uncomfortable Outdoor Working Conditions
Accuweather Tree Pollen Forecast for Southern NJ
Though the CDC Heat Risk Forecast indicates minor risk today, and little to none for the rest of the week, NJ pollen forecasts indicate tree pollen counts will be high for the next several days. It doesn’t take much outdoor work to see, and feel, the amount of pollen in the air.
Pollen quickly accumulating on surfaces during this week’s tree shedding.
Working in these conditions can be uncomfortable with that combination of heat and pollen, and risky for those with respiratory health problems and/or allergies. Those KN-95 masks used for COVID-19 prevention can reduce the discomfort of working in high pollen and other dusty conditions, so keep a supply on hand for all your workers.
May 6, 2024 Rick VanVranken
NJDA Announces 2nd RFP for Underserved, Beginning and Military Veteran Farmers Mini-Grant Program
Last Friday, the NJDA closed the Request for Proposals (RFP) period for our Underserved, Beginning and Military Veteran Farmers Mini-Grant Program. Due to a recent increase in interest in the program, we have decided to extend a second RFP window to members of our specialty crop community who qualify. The second RFP will be open to the public starting May 10th, with the final application deadline now May 31st @ 5PM.
A number of exciting applications from members of NJ’s specialty crop community were received during this first application period. To expedite the review process, all applications submitted prior to May 3rd will be reviewed over the next few weeks. Applicants from the first RFP period can expect a funding decision following the NJ Board of Agriculture meeting on May 22nd. Applicants who apply during the second RFP period can expect a decision following the June 26th NJ Board of Agriculture meeting.
For those interested in learning more about this program, the NJDA will be hosting a webinar to promote the Underserved, Beginning and Military Veteran Farmers Mini-Grant Program on Friday, May 10th at 11 am EDT. Please join to learn more about the program guidelines, eligibility, and application process. Q&A will follow the presentation. Registration is not required. A recording of the webinar will be available for those who are unable to attend.
More information about the program is available at the following links:
Program Webinar – May 10th at 11am.
May 1, 2024 Pat Hastings
EPA Proposes to Cancel All But One Use of Pesticide Acephate to Protect Human Health
[EPA April 30, 2024]. Today, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is releasing a proposed interim decision (PID) to cancel all but one use of the pesticide acephate. This decision is based on EPA’s updated human health draft risk assessment (HH DRA) and drinking water assessment (DWA) that were released last year, which showed significant […]
April 29, 2024 Tess Stahl
Effective today, 4/29/2024: USDA Federal Order on testing and reporting Influenza A in cattle
Please see the attached memo from Dr. Amar Patil, DVM, MVSc, Ph.D., Diplomate ACVM, Director of the Division of Animal Health/State Veterinarian: Federal Order Influenza A in Cattle Memo April 27, 2024
This order includes specific requirements regarding the testing of lactating cows for Bovine Influenza A Virus (H5N1) before interstate movement. New Jersey dairy producers needing pre-movement testing should contact their attending veterinarian to arrange for sample collection, which must occur no more than seven (7) days before interstate movement. The test sample required from lactating dairy cattle is milk/udder secretions from each quarter per individual cow (ensure each quarter is sampled, as there have been reports of only one quarter having the virus), which is then combined into one sample tube (a total volume of 3-10 ml of milk per animal should be submitted). The samples can be submitted to the NJDA Animal Health Diagnostic Laboratory (AHDL), a USDA-approved National Animal Health Laboratory Network (NAHLN) laboratory. Samples submitted to the NJDA AHDL will be tested by real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assay for influenza A, which will be completed at no cost to the producers/veterinarians. Influenza A testing for interstate dairy cattle movement is an additional requirement to the preexisting livestock importation regulations in New Jersey, N.J.A.C. 2:3 Livestock and Poultry Importation. Persons moving dairy cattle are reminded that these requirements are in addition to the official identification, certificate of veterinary inspection (CVI), and testing requirements conventionally required for cattle movement. Please consult the receiving state to confirm all other interstate movement requirements prior to affecting an animal’s movement.
Listed below are particularly important aspects of the Federal Order and USDA guidance.
Mandatory Testing for Interstate Movement of Dairy Cattle:
- Prior to interstate movement, non-clinical lactating dairy cows are required to receive a negative test for Influenza A virus at an approved National Animal Health Laboratory Network (NAHLN) laboratory in addition to meeting the importing state’s testing requirements and a certificate of veterinary inspection (CVI).
- Non-clinical lactating dairy cows moving interstate direct to slaughter do not require influenza A testing but require a certificate of veterinary inspection (CVI).
- Non-clinical lactating dairy cows moving interstate through auction markets in New Jersey to out-of-state slaughter do not require influenza A testing but require a certificate of veterinary inspection (CVI).
- Non-clinical lactating dairy cows moving interstate to auction market in another state require influenza A testing and a certificate of veterinary inspection.
- Nonlactating dairy cattle, including bull calves, dry cows, and heifers; and beef cattle are exempt from Influenza A testing for interstate movement.
- Movement tests are valid for seven (7) days from the date of sample collection.
- For imported cattle attending a New Jersey Fair/Show, Influenza A testing is required for lactating dairy cattle in addition to meeting requirements in the 2024 fair and show letter.
- Owners of herds in which dairy cattle test positive for interstate movement will be required to provide epidemiological information, including animal movement tracing.
- Sick cattle are not eligible for movement. Dairy cattle herds that have tested positive for influenza A must wait 30 days and retest negative to be eligible for movement.
Mandatory Reporting: Laboratories and state veterinarians must report positive Influenza A detection diagnostic results in livestock to USDA APHIS.
