October 1, 2026

2027 Rutgers Educational Sessions at NE Agricultural Expo in Atlantic City

Everyone should be very excited for this event in 2027. The NE Agriculture Expo and Rutgers Educational Sessions will begin on Tuesday, January 19, 2027 at Harrah’s in Atlantic City, 777 Harrahs Boulevard. The final day of educational sessions and trade show ends on Thursday, January 21, 2027. The trade show already has an abundance of vendors signed up for booths in 2027.

The planning committee for the expo is looking forward to providing many new opportunities, and Rutgers has confirmed many new speakers to offer excellent information, covering various topics from the 2026 growing season and research results to help farmers improve their practices. The Harrah’s conference center offers the best layout in Atlantic City for this convention. Come for the opportunity to network with others in the industry, to learn from over 72 presenters on a diversity of topics, and to gain pesticide recertification credits to keep your applicator’s license current. To register and for more information from the organizing association, go to the Vegetable Growers Association of NJ’s website at https://vganj.com.

Please see the DRAFT Rutgers Educational Program below. Pesticide credits have been applied for with NJ DEP. When the credits are assigned this program will be republished and promoted with credits.

 

Filed Under: Agrivoltaics, Blueberry, Christmas Trees, Commercial Ag Updates, Cranberry, Disease Forecasting, Field, Forage & Livestock, Food Safety, Fruit, Landscape, Nursery, & Turf, Nursery, Organic Production, pesticide credits, Plant Diagnostic Lab, Strawberry, training, Tree Fruit, Turf, Uncategorized, vegetable, Vegetable Crops, Wine Grape, work shop Tagged With: , , , ,
September 21, 2026

What is the Right Time to Terminate Irrigation in Soybean?

Knowing the ideal time for terminating soybean irrigation is very important. Stopping irrigation too soon decreases kernel size and grain yield while stopping it too late incurs unnecessary extra cost. Using information on “crop development stage” and “soil moisture levels in root zone” is helpful in determining ideal termination time for irrigation.

The right pods to check

First step is to check with your seed dealer to see what variety (indeterminate or determinate) of soybean you are growing. For indeterminate variety, the pods at the top four nodes of the main stem, having fully developed leaves, should be examined to determine the growth stage. In case of determinate varieties, growth stage identification can be performed anywhere throughout the plant as pods develop uniformly along the stem. For growth stage assessment, include plants from all representative field sections (possibly known), with particular attention to later-developing areas.

Identify the growth stages

  • R5 is a “beginning seed” stage when seed starts to develop, attaining 1/8 inch of length.
  • R6 is a “full seed” stage when pods have full seed (green) that completely fills the pod cavity.
  • R6.5 is a “late seed fill” stage when seed (contained in the pod) gets fully separated from the protective membrane of the pod wall.
  • To look for photos of different soybean growth stages (including R5, R6, and R6.5), please visit this link- https://extension.msstate.edu/publications/guide-soybean-growth-stages

How to make a final decision on irrigation

  • Once your soybean plants are at R6.5, it’s generally the right time to terminate irrigation if your field’s root zone has sufficient moisture to sustain the rest of seed filling. If your soybean plants are at R6, they still need irrigation.
  • To guide irrigation termination timing, it is helpful to i) Keep in mind that the sandy soils in Southern New Jersey have limited soil-water reserves, ii) Check moisture in root-zone with sensors or soil sampling at or just before soybean reaches R6.5 stage, iii) Stay up to date with the weather forecasts, and iv) Reassess the decision in case expected rainfall does not come.

Summary/ Takeaway Message

Use R6.5 growth stage identification method and soil moisture information to decide your irrigation termination time. Do not rely only on the calendar, leaf color, or mature-looking pods on lower part of the plant.

References

Questions? Contact Ramandeep Kumar Sharma at rs2794@njaes.rutgers.edu.

Filed Under: Agrivoltaics, Commercial Ag Updates, Field, Forage & Livestock, Uncategorized
September 1, 2026

October Farming Twilight Meeting – October 22, 2026

Pesticide recertification credits will be given to those attending this Twilight Meeting. See details below:

October Farming Twilight Meeting October 22, 2026 6:00PM – 8:30 PM Location: Seahorse Farm Winery 1076 Seashore Road Cape May, NJ 08204

Please RSVP  by October 20, 2026

Contact Jocelyn Shillingford at (609) 465 5115 ext. 3607 or capemayag@njaes.rutgers.edu

Filed Under: Christmas Trees, Disease Forecasting, Field, Forage & Livestock, Fruit, Landscape, Nursery, & Turf, pesticide credits, Vegetable Crops Tagged With: , , , , , ,
August 25, 2026 and

Salem County Agronomy Twilight Meeting 2 – This Coming Monday!

Please join us Monday, August 31, 2026, from 6:00–8:30 p.m. at Rutgers Cooperative Extension of Salem County in Woodstown for an evening of timely field crop production updates.

Rutgers Cooperative Extension – Salem County
51 Cheney Road, Woodstown, NJ

Program begins at 6:00 p.m.; please arrive early.

Schedule & Topics

6:00 p.m. – Welcome & Introduction – Salvatore Mangiafico and Ramandeep Kumar Sharma, Rutgers Cooperative Extension

6:15 p.m. – Sulfur in Coastal Soils – Jarrod Miller, University of Delaware

6:45 p.m. – Sweet Corn Pest Management Updates: Scouting, IPM Strategies, and Responsible Pesticide Use – Amanda Quadrel, Rutgers Cooperative Extension

7:15 p.m. – Assessment of Agricultural Crop Damage by Black Bear in New Jersey – Salvatore Mangiafico, Rutgers Cooperative Extension

7:45 p.m. – Corn Lodging Insights and Agronomic Research Updates – Ramandeep Sharma, Rutgers Cooperative Extension

8:15 p.m. – Wrap-Up, Evaluations, and Pesticide Credit Submissions

Pesticide Recertification Credits (Credits are pending NJDEP approval)

Credits have been applied for: CORE (1), 1A (2), PP2 (2), and Category 10 (1)

Registration

Phone: 856-769-0090
Email: e_dehart@salemcountynj.gov

Please save the date and join us for an evening of practical information and discussion relevant to New Jersey field crop production.

We look forward to seeing you August 31!

Filed Under: Commercial Ag Updates, Field, Forage & Livestock, pesticide credits, training, Uncategorized, work shop
August 25, 2026

Soybeans at Full Pod (R4) Growth Stage: What Farmers Need to Know Now to Protect Yield Potential

With the New Jersey soybeans reaching the R4 (full pod) growth stage, the crop is entering a crucial period for yield development. The plants shown below are at around R4 growth stage. For farmers in Southern New Jersey, this is a crucial time to scout fields closely and minimize stresses that can affect pod and seed development.

         

(Photo Credit: Ramandeep Kumar Sharma; Aug 24 2026)

How to identify R4 stage in soybeans?

Soybean is reached at the R4 (full pod) growth stage when a plant has a pod at least 3/4 of a inch long at one of the four uppermost nodes on the main stem, with a fully developed leaf at that node. To determine whether the crop has reached R5 (beginning seed), open a pod at one of these upper nodes. R5 begins when the seed inside the pod is at least 1/8 inch long.

Why R4 is so important for soybeans?

R4 marks the starting of one of the most critical periods for soybean yield determination. At R4 stage, pod growth is fast, and seed development is starting. From R4 through early seed filling, stresses such as moisture/nutrient deficiency, disease, insect injury, and excessive defoliation can reduce yield by increasing the abortion of flowers, pods, and developing seeds. The crop has some ability to compensate later through seed growth, but that compensation is limited.

What should soybean farmers do now?

  • Monitor soil moisture: Adequate moisture is particularly important from R4 through early seed development. This deserves close attention in Southern New Jersey’s sandy and coarse-textured soils, which can dry rapidly during hot, dry periods. Where irrigation is available, monitor soil and crop conditions and irrigate when needed.
  • Keep scouting for insects and diseases: Continue checking the canopy for defoliation, pod-feeding insects, and disease symptoms. Make pesticide decisions based on scouting, pest or disease pressure, crop stage, economic considerations where applicable, and the current product label but not simply because the crop has reached R4.
  • Check for nutrient stress: Continue watching for nutrient deficiency, especially in fields with low soil fertility or a history of nutrient loss. Rutgers recommends that soybean fertility management be based on recent soil tests and realistic yield goals. Rutgers also identifies potassium and sulfur as important considerations in New Jersey soybean production and notes that nutrient stress can occur in Southern New Jersey soils because of nutrient leaching.
  • Don’t stop scouting weeds: A closed soybean canopy suppresses many weeds, but late-season escapes can still produce seed and interfere with harvest. Any herbicide application must follow the current product label, including crops, weed, timing, rate, and preharvest restrictions.

Summary

R4 is not the time to stop scouting, it is the time to pay closer attention. Protecting adequate soil moisture, healthy foliage, developing pods, and seed formation during R4–R6 can help protect soybean yield potential. On checking pods, if a seed (at least 1/8 inch long) is found inside a pod at one of the upper four nodes, it means the plant has reached R5 (beginning seed).

References

  • Sharma, R. K., & Heckman, J. 2026. Nutrient and Management Tips for New Jersey Soybean Production. Rutgers Cooperative Extension, Plant & Pest Advisory, June 26, 2026.
  • Heckman, J. R. 2009. Soil Fertility Recommendations for Soybean. Rutgers Cooperative Extension, Fact Sheet E323.
  • Bravo, M. 2021. Soybean insect vectored, internal stem, root disease monitoring now through pod fill. Rutgers Cooperative Extension, Plant & Pest Advisory, July 9, 2021.
  • Bravo, M. 2021. Field crop progress mid-July, Salem County. Rutgers Cooperative Extension, Plant & Pest Advisory, July 17, 2021.
Filed Under: Agrivoltaics, Commercial Ag Updates, Disease Forecasting, Field, Forage & Livestock, Plant Diagnostic Lab, Uncategorized
August 17, 2026

Farmer Health and Wellness Services Available for Burlington, Camden, Gloucester, and Atlantic Counties

Could your farm or a local agricultural event benefit from free health and wellness services? The Pinelands Alliance, in partnership with NOFA-NJ and Virtua Health, was awarded a SARE grant entitled “Mobilizing for Farmer Wellness” which aims to bring health screenings and education to farmers and farmworkers in Burlington, Camden, Gloucester, and Atlantic Counties.

The following health and wellness services could be provided at individual farms or at community events. If you are interested or would like to learn more, please contact Annie Preston from the Pinelands Alliance at annie@pinelandsalliance.org or 301-675-0729.

Virtua Health Services (need 30 to 60 days advance notice)

  • Eat Well Mobile Grocery Store and Mobile Farmers Market – accepts SNAP, sometimes can be a free produce giveaway
  • Mobile Pediatric Screening Units: Screenings for children 6 and under: vision, hearing, dental, developmental; School and sports physicals for birth -12th grade; Flu vaccinations for all ages, including adults; Blood lead level screening for children under 6 and pregnant or lactating people
  • Women’s Cancer Screening for insured and uninsured patients – need a minimum of 15 people to pre-register
  • Cancer education
  • Stop the Bleed First Aid and Tourniquet Trainings (class for up to 24 people at a time)
  • Dietitians and nutrition educators
  • Blood pressure, cholesterol, and A1c screenings (A1c needs temperature-controlled environment).
  • Health Education and Stress First Aid
  • Speakers representing a variety of medical specialties (subject to availability)

 Cherry Hill Free Clinic (need 2 weeks advance notice)

  • Men’s Cancer Screenings
  • Hepatology
  • Diabetes care
  • Vaccines (Gardasil, pneumovax, Shingrix).
  • 20 medical specialties (subject to availability)
  • Patients can use their Uber business account to book rides to the clinic, lab, and imaging appointments
  • Remote patient monitoring including at-home glucometer kits, BP cuffs, and blood glucose implants. Good for up to 2 weeks before changed out.
  • Vaccines (Gardasil, pneumovax, Shingrix).
  • They can bring a Doctor/nurse practitioner who can write a prescription for meds on site.
Filed Under: Blueberry, Christmas Trees, Commercial Ag Updates, Cranberry, Field, Forage & Livestock, Fruit, Landscape, Nursery, & Turf, Nursery, Organic Production, Strawberry, training, Tree Fruit, Turf, vegetable, Vegetable Crops, Wine Grape Tagged With: ,