While visiting some grass hay fields across the state I have encountered several fields where cutting height was too low. While we all want to get the maximum yield possible from our fields, cutting too low can have negative impacts. Disk mowers allow the crop to be cut very close to the ground, in some cases almost cut to the ground level. While older haybines or sickle bar mowers require some stubble height to remain. Many may not realize that cutting height has an impact on forage stand longevity. Cutting too low reduces the energy reserves of the crop vital to regrowth for the next cutting. The energy reserves of grasses are stored above ground in the base of the stem and tillers, Continual cutting of grass hay close to ground level will result in depletion of energy reserves which in turn reduces stand longevity. So, the question most often asked is how low can I cut my grass hay while maintaining stand longevity? For our cool season grasses such as orchard grass and timothy we manage the cutting height different for establishment and production years. For the establishment year it is recommended to maintain a cutting height of 4 inches. During the following production years, a minimum cutting height of 3 inches is recommended. These heights are the minimum recommendations; it is certainly acceptable to cut higher. Cutting too much top growth in grasses removes growing points and reduces the amount of leaf exposed to the sun. This can result in slow regrowth, which indirectly results in a shortening of the growing season for the crop and reduced yield potential. Another benefit of cutting higher is reducing competition from weeds. Weakened or stressed grass results in reduced stand density which provides an opportunity for weeds to establish.
Dangerous Heat: Actions to Stay Safe
Dangerous heat will impact NJ and the region this week, with maximum air temperatures Wednesday to Saturday forecasted to reach the mid-90s to 105 degrees. The heat index, which factors in relative humidity, is expected to soar as high as 110 degrees. As a result, an Extreme Heat Warning has been issued for the majority of NJ (Wednesday to Saturday) with an Extreme Heat Watch being issued for the counties of Atlantic, Cape May, and Cumberland (Thursday to Saturday).
Precautions must be taken to prevent heat-related illnesses among the agricultural workforce:
Adjust work schedules and discontinue outdoor work during the hottest parts of the day.
- You can utilize the OSHA/NIOSH Heat Safety Tool (phone app) for site-specific heat indices to aid planning.
- Remember: heat index is measured in the shade and does not factor in the effect of work in direct sunlight.
- Reduce workload intensity by increasing the number of workers per task, rotating jobs, and increasing the frequency of breaks.
- Train everyone on the farm to recognize and respond to signs of heat-related illness in themselves and others.
- Reinforce training with signage such as this informative ‘Prevent Heat Illness at Work’ poster from OSHA which is available in English, as well as Spanish.
- Keep hydrated! Cool water should always be available to everyone. Drink water constantly including before, during, and after work and encourage others to do the same. Sports drinks are generally not necessary when you drink ample water and eat regular meals.
- Select light-colored, breathable clothing and a wide-brimmed hat. Your clothing must allow for rapid evaporation of sweat – the body’s mechanism for cooling.
Take extreme caution over the next several days to safeguard yourself and others from heat-related illnesses. For more resources on preventing heat-related illness among the agricultural workforce, visit our Heat Stress and Agriculture website.
Nutrient and Management Tips for New Jersey Soybean Production
In New Jersey, soybeans generally do well in terms of productivity, but final yield largely depends on early-season soil conditions, balanced plant nutrition, and timely field management, particularly in sandy soil areas of the Coastal Plain and Southern part of New Jersey.
Importance of early-season establishment
The final yield potential (to be achieved later in the season) of soybean largely depends on how the crop established early in the season. If there is a poor emergence or is nutrient deficiency in early growth stages, it can decrease the final number of pods per acre and slow down the canopy growth. So, primary areas of focus during the early season are:
- To ensure uniformity in planting depth and better seed-to-soil contact for better emergence/stand count.
- To avoid planting into cold/wet soil to save emerging seeds from cold injury.
- To ensure strong nodulation for better rhizobium activity.
Nutrients Management Considerations
Soybeans, being a leguminous crop, don’t need nitrogen (for the most part as they can fix most of their nitrogen needs by themselves), but they need other nutrients:
- Phosphorus for early root development (to absorb water/nutrients and to anchor the plant in the soil) and nodulation. Very high (more than optimum) levels of phosphorus were seen in many New Jersey soils so, no phosphorus fertilizer is recommended for such soils. However, for the soils showing high/optimum phosphorus levels, it is still suggested to apply phosphorus at least in amount equivalent to that is removed by the soybean crop (40 lbs. P2O5/acre for a 40 Bu/acre of grain yield).
- Potassium for water regulation and pod fill (determinant of final yield). To the soils showing potassium in high levels, it is still needed to apply 55 lbs. of K2O/acre for a 40 Bu/acre of grain yield, to account for the potassium removed by the soybean crop. For soils showing below optimum potassium levels, the rate of potassium is recommended to be higher than the 55 lbs. of K2O/acre, depending on what the yield goal is. For a yield goal of 40 Bu/acre, if potassium levels are below optimum, potassium recommendations are to apply between 70-170 lb. K2O/acre depending on the potassium levels (180-0 lbs. K/acre) shown in soil test (Mehlich-3). Also, it is important to mention the fields with soybean planted as a double crop, where potassium removal from the preceding small grain crop should be accounted for in fertilization planning by adjusting the soil test potassium results to avoid early season potassium deficiency. For example, a 45 Bu/acre soybean crop removes roughly 100–114 lb. K/acre (120–137 lb. K₂O/acre) from soil when potassium removed by the preceding small grain crop and its straw is also included with the potassium removed by soybean grain.
- Sulfur has been increasingly becoming critical for last two decades, especially in highly leached, low organic matter, and sandy soils because of the decrease in natural sulfur deposits in soil owing to the stricter environmental regulations after the enactment of clean air act of 1990. Sulfur recommendations for soybeans are 20-40 lbs./acre (if broadcasted) or 20-30 lbs./acre (banded).
- Manganese is the micronutrient that is seen deficient in most of the South Jersey’s coarse textured soils. The deficiency is visible in the form of green veins with yellowness appearing between the veins. For soils having the history of Manganese deficiency, recommendations are 15 lbs./acre (broadcast) or 5 lbs./acre (banded) of Manganese, if applied by soil. If a foliar application, recommendations are to apply three times (1st application as soon as the symptoms appear, 2nd application on later vegetative stage, and 3rd at early pod stage) with each application of 0.5-2.0 lbs./acre.
- Maintaining pH between 6.2 and 6.8 is generally good for all nutrient’s availability. However, if pH is outside this range, the nutrients that are present in the soil still become unavailable to the soybean plant.
In many New Jersey soybean fields, mild potassium and sulfur deficiencies are more prevalent compared to visible nitrogen deficiency.
Management specific to the Southern New Jersey Soils
Southern New Jersey’s sandy soils lose nutrients rapidly due to high leaching, lose moisture faster during reproductive stages, and encounter nutrient stress even when soil test results say, “adequate level”. Therefore, split or targeted nutrient management and regular soil testing are very helpful.
In-season crop management
At R1 (flowering stage) to R3 (early pod set stage), it is suggested 1) to be watchful for yellowing on leaves or uneven canopy development, 2) to keep checking if nodulation working effectively (red/pink nodules signify better nitrogen fixation), and 3) to ensure no hidden potassium or sulfur deficiency, especially when high rainfall occurs (high leaching rate).
Takeaways (Summary)
Improved soybean yields in New Jersey are tied to 1) good early season establishment, 2) balanced nutrition of phosphorus, potassium (especially in double-crop soybean), sulfur, and manganese, 3) prudent monitoring of nutrient losses in sandy soils, and 4) timely field scouting during flowering and pod set. Taken together, productivity of New Jersey soybeans relies less on high inputs, but more on early-season balance (nutrition) and timely monitoring.
References
- Huddell, A. M., Thapa, R., Marcillo, G. S., Abendroth, L. J., Ackroyd, V. J., Armstrong, S. D., & Mirsky, S. B. (2024). US cereal rye winter cover crop growth database. Scientific data, 11(1), 200.
- New Jersey Soybean Board. (n.d.). NJ Production Guide. https://njsoybean.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/50737-8-New-Jersey-Tech-Transfer-Guide_LR6.pdf
- Rutgers Cooperative Extension. (n.d.). Soil fertility recommendations for soybean (FS102). Rutgers New Jersey Agricultural Experiment Station.
- Heckman, J. R. (1992). Successful double cropping requires adequate soil fertility. The Soil Profile, 2(2). Rutgers Cooperative Extension.
- Sharma, R. K., Cox, M. S., Oglesby, C., & Dhillon, J. S. (2024). Revisiting the role of sulfur in crop production: A narrative review. Journal of Agriculture and Food Research, 15, 101013.
Fertigation: Improving Nitrogen Management In New Jersey Vegetable Crops
Nitrogen is one of the most important nutrients for vegetable production, but it can also be one of the easiest to lose (by leaching), especially on New Jersey’s sandy Coastal Plain soils. Heavy rainfall or excessive irrigation can move nitrogen below the crop root zone before plants have a chance to use it.
One way growers can improve nitrogen-use efficiency is through fertigation. Fertigation is the application of fertilizer through an irrigation system. In many New Jersey vegetable crops, including tomatoes, peppers, cucumbers, pumpkins, watermelons, and sweet corn, drip irrigation systems can be used to deliver small amounts of nitrogen throughout the season rather than applying all of it at planting.
Applying nitrogen in smaller, timely doses helps match crop demand and can reduce the risk of nutrient losses. Fertigation also gives growers more flexibility to adjust nitrogen programs based on crop growth and weather conditions. For example, following periods of heavy rainfall, growers can evaluate fields and make adjustments if additional nitrogen is needed.
Like any management practice, successful fertigation depends on proper irrigation scheduling. Applying too much water can still move nutrients below the root zone. However, when irrigation and fertilizer applications are properly managed, fertigation can be an effective tool to improve nitrogen efficiency, support crop productivity, and reduce nutrient losses.
When does fertigation make sense?
- Fields equipped with drip irrigation systems.
- High-value vegetable crops with season-long nutrient demand.
- Sandy soils with greater leaching potential.
- Situations where growers want flexibility to adjust nitrogen applications during the growing season
Common New Jersey crops where fertigation may be beneficial
Tomato, pepper, cucumber, pumpkin, watermelon, muskmelon, and sweet corn production systems that utilize irrigation.
Some common things to know when fertigating
- Use only fully soluble fertilizers that can move easily through the irrigation system.
- Base fertilizer selections on soil test results. Fields with high phosphorus (P) and potassium (K) levels may only require supplemental nitrogen during the season.
- Common fertigation materials include soluble NPK fertilizers, calcium nitrate, and potassium nitrate.
- Ensure fertilizer injectors are properly calibrated and matched to the flow rate of the irrigation system for uniform nutrient distribution.
- Start irrigation first and allow the system to reach normal operating pressure before injecting fertilizer.
- After fertigating, continue irrigating briefly to flush fertilizer from the drip lines.
- Avoid over-irrigation, as excess water can move nutrients below the root zone and reduce fertilizer-use efficiency.
- Regularly inspect drip lines, filters, and injectors to ensure the system is operating properly.
- Calculate fertigation rates based on the actively cropped area rather than the entire field acreage.
References
- Ernst, T., McWhirt, A., Zimmerman, T., Henderson, E., Duncan, M., and Lay-Walters, A. Basics of Drip Irrigation and Fertigation for Specialty Crops (FSA6160). University of Arkansas Cooperative Extension Service.
- Johnson, G. 2010. Fertigating Drip Irrigated Vegetables. University of Delaware Cooperative Extension, Weekly Crop Update.
- Kelley, L. 2026. Nitrogen Prices Spawn Interest in Fertigation. Michigan State University Extension.
New World Screwworm: Why New Jersey Livestock Producers Should Be Aware
Recent detection (on June 3, 2026) of New World screwworm in Texas (Zavala County) have renewed attention to a livestock pest that was eradicated from the United States more than 50 years ago. While the current detections are far from New Jersey, they serve as a reminder of the importance of animal health surveillance and routine livestock inspections.
- What is New World Screwworm: New World screwworm (Cochliomyia hominivorax) is a parasitic fly whose larvae (maggots) feed on the living tissue of warm-blooded animals. Unlike common fly maggots that typically feed on dead or decaying tissue, screwworm larvae invade healthy tissue, causing painful and rapidly expanding wounds that can lead to severe animal health problems if left untreated.
- Why Is It in the News: The pest was eradicated from the United States in the 1960s and 1970s through a successful sterile insect release program. However, outbreaks in Central America and Mexico have moved northward in recent years, resulting in recent detections in Texas. Federal and state animal health officials are actively responding to these detections to prevent establishment and further spread.
- Should New Jersey Producers Be Concerned: At this time, there is no reason for alarm in New Jersey. However, livestock owners should be aware of the pest and its symptoms because early detection is critical to successful control efforts.
- Animals at Risk: New World Screwworm can affect cattle, sheep, goats, horses, swine, pets (dogs and cats), and wildlife. Any warm-blooded animal with an open wound can potentially be infested.
- What to Watch For: Producers should monitor animals for wounds that enlarge rapidly, foul-smelling lesions, bloody or pink-tinged discharge, visible maggots in wounds, excessive irritation or rubbing, reduced feed intake, and lethargy or weakness. Pay particular attention to newborn navels, castration sites, dehorning wounds, ear-tagging sites, branding wounds, cuts and abrasions.
- Good Management Practices: The best defense remains good animal husbandry. Inspect livestock regularly, treat wounds promptly, maintain fly-control programs, monitor newborn and recently processed animals closely, and consult a veterinarian if unusual wound development is observed.
- Food Safety: New World screwworm is primarily an animal health concern and does not pose a food safety risk to consumers. Its impact is related to animal welfare, livestock productivity, and economic losses rather than meat safety.
- Stay Informed: Rutgers Cooperative Extension encourages livestock owners to stay informed through USDA Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS), the New Jersey Department of Agriculture, and their local veterinarian. While the current risk to New Jersey remains low, awareness and early recognition are important components of protecting animal health.
References
- Texas Animal Health Commission. (2026, June 3). New World screwworm confirmed in Zavala County calf: First case of NWS in Texas [News release]. (https://www.tahc.texas.gov/news/2026/2026-06-03_NWS_InitialCase.pdf?utm_source=chatgpt.com)
- Kaufman, P., Swiger, S. L., & Herring, A. (2026). New World screwworm fact sheet. (https://agrilifeextension.tamu.edu/new-world-screwworm-fact-sheet/)
- Kansas State University Agricultural Experiment Station and Cooperative Extension Service. (2025, June). New World screwworms: Fact sheet for producers. Kansas State University. (https://entomology.k-state.edu/extension/human-and-animal-health/New%20World%20Screwworms_June2025.pdf)
- California Department of Food and Agriculture. (2025, June). New World screwworm fact sheet. California Department of Food and Agriculture. (https://www.cdfa.ca.gov/ahfss/animal_health/pdfs/screwworm_fact_sheet.pdf)
Late-Planted Corn in Southern New Jersey: What to Expect and How to Manage in 2026
USDA reports indicate that 93% of the U.S. corn crop was planted by May 31, 2026, slightly ahead of the five-year average, with strong emergence (76%) and 67% of the crop rated good to excellent. However, national progress does not always reflect local conditions. In southern New Jersey (NJ), cooler soil temperatures and variable field conditions pushed some planting into late May and early June. Understanding how these later planting dates influence corn growth and management is critical for optimizing yield potential this season.
Key Takeaways for Growers
- Yield potential declines with delayed planting after mid-May: Corn planted in early June typically experiences a 5 to 15% yield reduction compared to mid-May planting in the Mid-Atlantic, depending on hybrid maturity and late-season weather.
- Shorter vegetative period means fewer kernels per ear: Later planting compresses vegetative growth, often reducing leaf area development, kernel rows and kernel number per ear. This is the primary driver of yield loss, not necessarily kernel weight.
- Higher risk of heat stress during pollination: June-planted corn is more likely to tassel and silk during peak July heat, increasing risk of poor pollination and kernel abortion.
- Grain fill may extend into cooler fall conditions: Later planting can push grain fill into September–October, increasing risk of slower dry-down, higher grain moisture at harvest, and potential early frost damage (in extreme cases).
Nutrient and Soil Considerations
- Nitrogen (N) management becomes more critical as rapid early growth in warmer soils can increase N demand. So, consider split N applications or sidedress timing carefully (V5–V7 window still key).
- Sulfur (S) deficiency risk may increase as warmer, wetter early-season conditions can enhance S leaching in sandy NJ soils. Visual symptoms may appear earlier in late-planted corn due to rapid growth.
- Potassium (K) uptake timing is compressed as K uptake peaks around V6–VT. So, ensure adequate soil K, especially in coastal plain sandy soils.
Management Adjustments for Late-Planted Corn
- Consider slightly shorter maturity hybrids if planting delayed beyond mid-June. However, for early June planting, most full-season hybrids are still acceptable.
- Increase scouting frequency as faster growth means shorter windows to correct deficiencies. Pay attention to N deficiency (lower leaves yellowing) and S deficiency (upper leaves yellowing).
- Weed control timing is tighter as corn canopy closes faster making narrower herbicide application window.
- Monitor soil moisture closely as late-planted corn often has higher evapotranspiration demand during peak summer.
Summary
- Corn planted in early June may face moderate yield risk, but not a major loss under good conditions.
- The 2026 season will largely depend on weather during pollination (July) and timely nutrient management, especially N and S.
- With proper in-season management and favorable weather, much of the yield potential can still be preserved.
References
- Squire, M. 2026. USDA Releases First 2026 Corn Condition Ratings. Successful Farming, June 2, 2026.
- Crop Progress (June 2026) 19 USDA, National Agricultural Statistics Service (chrome-extension://efaidnbmnnnibpcajpcglclefindmkaj/https://esmis.nal.usda.gov/sites/default/release-files/795928/prog2226.pdf)
