Fruit Crops Edition
Seasonal updates on diseases, insects, weeds impacting tree fruit and small fruit (blueberry, cranberry, and wine grape). Fruit Pest Alerts are also available via this category feed.
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NJDEP Compliance Advisory Alert #2026-08
Grant Opportunity for Beginning Farmers to Adopt Conservation Practices
The National Young Farmers Coalition (NYFC) is accepting applications for the Next Generation Farmer Fund through December 1, 2026!
Beginning farmers or ranchers under the age of 40 (as of December 31, 2027) are eligible to receive $10k-$50k to support implementation of new conservation practices during the 2027 growing season. These practices must be new on the land where the project will take place and improve soil health, water management, energy use, and biodiversity. Practices that fall within those categories include:
- Cover cropping
- Rotational grazing
- Nutrient management plans
- Renewable energy infrastructure
- High tunnels
- Pollinator plantings
- And more!
To learn more about grant eligibility requirements, the application process and timeline, and other details, consider signing up for an informational webinar hosted by NYFC on November 5th at 7pm ET. You can also reach out to nextgenfarmerfund@youngfarmers.org with questions.
Registration Deadline, October 30th – Remote Course – Drone Pilot Training for Farmers on November 6 & 13, 2027
This comprehensive online hybrid training prepares farmers and agricultural producers to obtain their FAA Drone Part 107 certification exam, which is required for all commercial drone operations. Featuring the same rigorous test preparation content as the in-person sessions, this online format allows you to complete coursework remotely while mastering the fundamentals of small, unmanned aircraft systems (sUAS) used in modern agriculture.
What’s Included & What You Need
- Online Learning Platform & Live Sessions: Students will be provided with official credentials to access an online learning management system, along with Zoom meeting links for two live online class sessions (November 6 & 13).
- Textbook Requirement: Students are required to purchase their own textbook separately via Amazon (approximately ~$30; link provided upon registration).
- Curriculum Topics Covered:
- Introduction to aviation & regulations
- Airspace classification & sectional charts
- Aircraft maintenance, inspections, and performance
- Accident reporting, emergency procedures, and weather effects
- Air operations and scheduling for your test
Registration & Pricing
- Registration Fee: $150 per person registration (Note: Payment can be made with credit card via link to “Clover Account” with WCCC Phillipsburg Education Center) (payment link to be provided, payment made to WCCC after registering).
- Class Materials: You are encouraged to purchase a hardcopy textbook that provides a code for unlimited practice tests ~$30. Link to be provided upon final registration for purchase via Amazon.
- Online Registration: https://forms.cloud.microsoft/r/9VXvvWC7aN
Questions & Inquiries: Please contact Stephen Komar at 973-948-3040 x3 or email komar@njaes.rutgers.edu with any questions.
End-of-Season Grapevine Care: Post-Harvest & Fall Management Guide
Farm Credit East to Offer Business Skills Training in Bridgeton and Virtually
Farm Credit East is a helpful partner to farmers in our region for many reasons. FCE offers training opportunities along with financial services. Starting soon, FCE is offering their GenerationNext program. This program may be beneficial to the future of your farm and can help train leadership to take care of the business-end of farming. Take some time to look over what is being offered.
GenerationNext is a dynamic workshop series designed for the next generation of ag managers and owners. Whether you’re stepping into a leadership role or looking to strengthen your business acumen, this program offers the tools and insights you need to succeed.
Program Highlights:
- Format: Choose between virtual (7 sessions) or in-person (3 sessions) options
- Topics: Leadership, HR, financial analysis, marketing, risk management, and estate planning
- Cost: $199/person (discounted from $1900 through our Young, Beginning, Small & Veteran program)
In-person classes are 3 sessions from 9:30-3:30
- Auburn ME Office: Nov 19, Dec 10, Jan 14
- Bridgeton NJ Office: Nov 20, Dec 4, Dec 18
- Batavia NY Office: Dec 3, Jan 14, Feb 3
- Cortland NY Office: Dec 2, Jan 13, Feb 2
- Potsdam NY Office: Dec 1, Jan 12, Jan 26
- White River Junction VT Office: Nov 18, Dec 9, Jan 13
Online class is 7 weekly sessions from 2-4pm
- Online: Jan 21, Jan 28, Feb 4, Feb 11, Feb 18, Feb 25, Mar 4
For more information and to Register: Visit FarmCreditEast.com/GenerationNext
Register at least 2 weeks before your session begins.
For questions or to discuss which format is best for you, please reach out to Chris Laughton for more information. We look forward to helping you grow your farm business!
Equipment Day Event 11-14-26
The RU Ready to Farm Program will be hosting ‘Equipment Day’ on 11-14-26. The event is geared towards new and beginning farmers and will focus on small to medium farm equipment and will feature several Rutgers programs that provide services to new farmers. The event is free, but registration is required, see link and schedule below.
Feel free to contact Linnea Eberly (lce28@njaes.rutgers.edu) or Trevor Styles (tds88@njaes.rutgers.edu) with any questions about the event.
Location: Hlubik Farms, 92 Chesterfield-Georgetown Rd, Chesterfield, New Jersey 08515
9:45 am – 10:00 am Registration
10:00 am – 10:05 am Welcome, David Hlubik, Burlington County Agent, Rutgers Cooperative Extension.
10:05 am – 11:00 am Small Equipment, Trevor Styles, Program Coordinator, Rutgers Cooperative Extension. BCS Machine and Implements, Tillmor, Small Seeders.
11:00 am – 11:15 am Pesticide Safety, Grayson Tung, Senior Coordinator, Pesticide Safety Education Program.
11:15 am – 11:25 am Soil Testing Lab, Stephanie Murphy, Rutgers Soil Testing Lab.
11:25 am – 11:35 am Plant Diagnostic Lab, Sabrina Tirpak, Rutgers Plant Diagnostic Lab.
11:35 am – 11:45 am On-Farm Food Safety, Meredith Melendez, Mercer County Agent, Rutgers Cooperative Extension.
11:45 am – 11:55 am Integrated Pest Management, Maria Cramer, Senior Program Coordinator, Vegetable IPM. Overview of Fruit and Vegetable IPM programs and services provided.
12:00 pm – 1:00 pm Lunch, Networking with Fellow Growers, Extension Personnel, and Ag Service Providers.
12:30 pm – 1:00 pm Optional Orchard Tour, David Hlubik, Burlington County Agent, Rutgers Cooperative Extension.
1:00 pm – 1:45 pm Medium Scale Vegetable Production Equipment, David Hlubik, Burlington County Agent, Rutgers Cooperative Extension. Small Tractor, Transplanter, Plastic Mulch Layer, Safety.
1:45 pm – 2:00 pm Sourcing Used Equipment, Bill Hlubik, Retired, Rutgers Cooperative Extension.
2:00 pm End/Networking.
This event is free, but pre-registration is required:
Please RSVP by November 6th to reserve your spot: https://go.rutgers.edu/6iqwqax4
