NEW: Rutgers Private Applicator 2023 Online License Renewal Assistance Available Daily Until October 31st!
Driving into High Path Avian Influenza Quarantine Zones in PA. Know the rules.
September 28, 2022. There has been a significant area placed under quarantine in Lancaster County East Lampeter Township. Read below to refresh on the rules when driving into a HighPath Quarantine Area.
For those traveling to Lancaster County for equipment, supplies and feed, be aware of the 20km zone that includes areas near Ephrata, New Holland, Gap, Quarryville, and Manhiem locations; and the 10km zone that includes Lancaster and Stroudsburg areas; and the epic-center 3km zone.
Secretary Fisher has sent along the PADLS quarantine map to Ag Agents, you can contact your Ag agent for a copy of the map. The map when it is updated, can also be found at: https://padeptag.maps.arcgis.com/apps/webappviewer/index.html?id=a9066a3d68a443a08043766cb84bf4ae
“Migration season is underway and the virus is obviously in the environment. Please ensure all your poultry caretakers are practicing their best biosecurity, especially regarding using clean and dedicated footwear when entering the poultry houses.”- PADLS
Earlier this year….
As of 5/11/2022: The PA Department of Agriculture, via communications from Kevin D. Brightbill, DVM | State Veterinarian | Director is requesting continued compliance of the agriculture industry at large with the General Quarantine Order; Virus Control for Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza Poultry, Poultry Litter, Conveyances, Feed, Refuse, Containers and Material Standards for the existing control zones established in Lancaster and Berks County.
There is an Interstate (existing or carried on between states) and General Quarantine Order in effect in Pennsylvania; specific to Virus Control for Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza Vehicle, Container and Material Standards that is critical to abide by to prevent introduction of High Path. The specifics of “following the conditions and requirements of this Interstate and General Quarantine Order Order related to vehicles and products being transported including other domestic animals” can be found in the Pennsylvania Bulletin Volume 52 Issue 18 52 Pa.B. 2597 General Quarantine Order; Virus Control for Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza Poultry, Poultry Litter, Conveyances, Feed, Refuse, Containers and Material Standards.
https://www.pacodeandbulletin.gov/Display/pabull?file=/secure/pabulletin/data/vol52/52-18/637.html
New Jersey agriculture producers, please be mindful of these efforts as you travel in and out of the location of the current quarantine area (10 kilometer radius) as shown in the PA DEPT AG MAP https://padeptag.maps.arcgis.com/apps/webappviewer/index.html?id=a9066a3d68a443a08043766cb84bf4ae.
Elsewhere in the region, please consider how you can help reduce potential spread as you travel to and from agriculture service centers in the region.
To stay up to date on the quarantine restrictions and recommendations related to disinfecting transportation vehicles and conveyances, please join the weekly Pennsylvania High Path Avian Influenza call by contacting Jennifer Reed – Harry, Penn Ag Industries at Email: jrharry@pennag.com
NJ Poultry Producers. To participate in the next South-Jersey Poultry Association monthly webinar with guest veterinarians from either USDA or state agencies, contact Melissa Bravo at the Salem County Extension Office.
SARE Farmer Grants for 2023 – Webinar on October 4th
Multiple Northeast SARE (Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education) grant recipient Tommye Lou Rafes, of T.L. Fruits and Vegetables in West Virginia, is sharing her experiences to help other farmers experiment with new ideas through the Farmer Grant program.
At noon on October 4th, 2022, Rafes will join Northeast SARE Grant Coordinator Candice Huber for an informational webinar to assist farmers interested in applying for up to $30,000 in funding for projects beginning in March 2023. Registration is required and participants are encouraged to submit questions ahead of the event. The Call for Farmer Grant Proposals is currently available and the online system for submitting applications is opening soon. Applications are due November 15, 2022.
Northeast SARE Farmer Grants are perfect for farmers looking to grow through new practices. Rafes first learned about SARE while attending a Good Agricultural Practices (GAP) training. One of the professors hosting the meeting was a SARE reviewer who invited the attendees to apply for a grant. Rafes knew sustainable practices like using renewable-powered high tunnels to extend growing seasons could be good for business as well as the planet. “Growing in the winter months is a completely different way than you do in the summer months,” she said. “I decided to test varieties that were successful during the winter months as well as growing conditions that could be improved so that people would be more successful.”
Grant Coordinator Candice Huber says Farmer Grants are an opportunity for farmers to try things that could improve their operations. SARE funds can cover the farmer’s time on the project, any farm workers time spent on the project, supplies that are not capital purchase, technical support, soil testing and other budgeted items. Farmer grant projects generally are for one year.
If you have an idea and you need resources to really explore it, a Farmer Grant can connect you with those resources. This webinar will be a good starting point and participants must pre-register. See below.
To sign up for the October 4th webinar at 12:00PM go to https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/6516611235851/WN_RoG_IkMmSDGsduZwmFgKkA
For information about the application for SARE Farmer grants see https://www.sare.org/wp-content/uploads/Northeast-SARE-Farmer-Grant-Call-for-Proposals.pdf
For general information about Northeast SARE go to Northeast SARE Home Page – SARE Northeast
Sept 22 HighPath Avian Webinar for Backyard Producers
USDA Defend the Flock Program
Navigating Avian Influenza: from prevention to recovery
Learn from USDA and other experts about how to keep your flocks safe from highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI). This session is for enthusiasts, farmers, educators, and anyone interested in signs and symptoms of HPAI, what to watch out for during fall migration, and how to develop an effective biosecurity and response plan. Hear about one educational farm’s experience managing a potential HPAI outbreak and get tips on how to keep your poultry flocks safe.
Time: Sep 22, 2022 02:30 PM in Eastern Time (US and Canada)
Hessian Fly-Free Planting Date Reminder
Grower planting small grains for ‘grain’ harvest next year should review the Hessian fly-free planting date for their area. Wheat is more at risk, rye for grain is least at risk.
Additional information on this season’s damage in wheat in Salem County can be found at: https://plant-pest-advisory.rutgers.edu/crop-progress-and-hessian-fly-sightings/
Penn State article on early planting and risk of hessian fly damage
Penn State Fact Sheet on Hessian Fly
Beck’s Hybrids has a map on their website that is also helpful to gauge your location
High Probability of Downed Droughty Corn During Hurricane Season
The national oceanic and atmospheric agency at Colorado University has released their forecasting for the next two months of the Hurricane and Tropical Storm Season. The strong La Nina is persisting into a third year coupled with decreasing water temperatures returning closer to normal for this time of year are reportedly similar to 1999, 2000, 2011 and 2021 conditions.
Field corn: The stalk stability of droughty corn is much less tolerant to high winds than non-droughty corn. Given the drought conditions, corn producers may have the ability to harvest corn earlier than normal due to rapid dry down on the cob. Current soil moisture conditions are very suitable for fitting fields for winter small grain establishment.
Aspergillus mold species often show up after drought conditions, posing a significant risk of aflatoxins in the corn crop if present. Aspergillus molds are carcinogenic to people and cause losses in livestock and poultry. Combine operators and elevator operators should take precautions against inhaling fungal spores. Signs of Aspergillus ear rot include evidence of powdery olive-green mold on the ear tip or on kernels in the ear.
Fusarium ear rots are also probable in fields that had significant high humidity and high temperatures as grains are developing to black layer. Fusarium molds show up as white to pink cotton-like growths mold scattered throughout the ear. A starburst like pattern may occur on infected kernels that may also be brown in color.
*Inhaling poison ivy volitile oils and ivyleaf morning glory and jimson weed dust as they go through the combine along field edges should also be avoided.
For additional images see https://cropprotectionnetwork.org/encyclopedia/aspergillus-ear-rot-of-corn
Hurricane Season: Hurricane forecasters have stated that this La Nina and nearer to average water temperatures are similar to 1999, 2000, 2011 and last year. Given that in 1999, 11.41 inches of rain fell in Salem County; and in 2000, 5.76 inches fell in Salem County; and in 2011, 6.19 inches fell in Salem County in the month of September, producers who can harvest early may want to consider higher moisture harvest if standability is an issue. Hurricane season peaks from mid-August to mid-October with the season ending on Nov. 30.
Soybeans: Soybean fields should be walked for signs of stem snap in areas with high levels of soybean stem borer activity in 2020 and where July herbicide applications visibly stressed plants during the height of the drought this season. Due to in season stresses, bean maturity in the pods may be farther along in some fields than leaves indicate. If 90% of the beans are tan, test moisture levels frequently.
Salem County producers can pick up mycotoxin plant analysis bags at the extension office. Current pricing from regional laboratories are as follows:
1. NJ Department of Agriculture website submission form: (click link)
| Mycotoxin test. Please call the laboratory to check on current availability and pricing |
2. Dairy One Mycotoxin Testing: (click link)
- Mycotoxin Panel $105: Aflatoxin B1, B2, G1, G2, Vomitoxin, Zearalenone, T2, 3-acetyl DON, 15-acetyl DON
- Ochratoxin A $77
- Fumonisin B1, B2, B3 $77
- Full Panel $210
3. Dairyland Laboratories Individual Toxins: (click link)
- Aflatoxin $55.00
- Vomitoxin (DON) $55.00
- Zearalenone $55.00
- T-2 /HT2 $55.00
- Fumonisin $55.00
- Ochratoxin $55.00
Check out the historical storm map maker image below at https://spacecoastdaily.com/2019/08/noaa-historical-hurricane-tracks-explore-more-than-150-years-of-historical-hurricane-landfalls/
