September 3, 2024

The Rutgers Agrivoltaics Program launches a new website

The Rutgers Agrivoltaics Program is a multidisciplinary group of Rutgers faculty and staff committed to designing and conducting applied agrivoltaics research and outreach for stakeholders in New Jersey and throughout the region.

The Rutgers Agrivoltaics Program (RAP) was initiated over 3 years ago with the signing and passage of the Dual Use Solar Act by the New Jersey legislature. In 2023, Agrivoltaics research installations were established at three Rutgers-New Jersey Agricultural Experiment Stations (NJAES). One at the Clifford E. and Melda C. Snyder Research and Extension Farm in Pittstown, NJ; one at the Animal Farm on the Rutgers New Brunswick (SEBS) Campus, and one at the Rutgers Agricultural Research and Extension Center (RAREC) near Bridgeton, NJ. Members of the Rutgers RAP Team in collaboration the New Jersey Board of Public Utilities, NJ Department of Agriculture, and NJ-DEP are now in the process of implementing the Dual-Use Solar Energy Pilot Program.

The agrivoltaics research at the Rutgers Agricultural Research and Extension Center (RAREC) near Bridgeton, New Jersey has been designed to study the effects of agrivoltaic (AV) systems on the production of specialty crops and soybeans. This year eggplant, pepper, fresh-market tomatoes, and soybeans are being grown under three three different treatments: single-axis tracking array with one row of panels, single-axis tracking array with two rows of panels, and no panels (conventional production as a control) to determine the effects caused by the presence of the panels on specialty crop and soybean plant growth and yield.

At the Clifford E. and Melda C. Snyder Research and Extension Farm in Pittstown, NJ the effects of a single-axis tracking array with one row of panels on hay production is being studied.

At the Rutgers SEBS Campus Animal Farm in New Brunswick, New Jersey, which hosts equine and livestock facilities, the AV research has been designed to study pasture forage production and animal grazing patterns in combination with vertical bifacial solar panels.

For more information on the Rutgers Agrivoltaics Program and more AV resources please visit the new website by clicking here. Stakeholders interested in keeping up the what’s going on can now subscribe to the new website and have information send directly to their email account. Just go to our contact page and follow the instructions to subscribe! 

The Rutgers Agrivoltaics Program in collaboration with the American Farmland Trust will be holding upcoming workshops for those stakeholders in New Jersey interested in learning more. Please click here for more information on these upcoming events.

Filed Under: Agrivoltaics, Blueberry, Christmas Trees, Commercial Ag Updates, Cranberry, Field, Forage & Livestock, Fruit, Landscape, Nursery, & Turf, Strawberry, Tree Fruit, Vegetable Crops, Wine Grape Tagged With: ,
September 2, 2024

Beat the Heat: Companies for Farmers to Source Heat Stress Prevention Supplies

“Beat the Heat” Plant and Pest Advisory articles are provided by the Agricultural Agents on the Rutgers Farm Health and Safety Team: Kate Brown, Stephen Komar, Michelle Infante-Casella and William Bamka

Protecting yourself and other workers from heat stress may involve purchasing some supplies for your farm operation. Some suggestions for items that may be used to “Beat the Heat” include water coolers, shade structures, fans for air movement in packing facilities, head coverings, sunscreen, and other things to help make a person cooler and more comfortable when working during high temperatures and/or in intense sunlight. Also, some companies listed also offer weather measuring devices to monitor environmental conditions for considering heat stress management decisions.

Below are some companies who offer supplies that may be useful for agricultural operations.  

Grainger https://www.grainger.com/ Active NJ Farm Bureau members receive discounts on most products from Grainger. NJFB members also receive free standard parcel shipping on all standard Grainger products. You can visit any of 12 Grainger stores within NJ, or order online. Grainer offers many safety products for agricultural operations and other industries.

Gempler’s https://gemplers.com/
Gempler’s has an online tab on their website specifically for Heat Relief and Hydration supplies at https://gemplers.com/collections/heat-relief-hydration

Uline https://www.uline.com/
Uline offers personal protective equipment, water coolers, fans and other safety supplies.

Forestry Suppliers https://www.forestry-suppliers.com/
Forestry Suppliers sells personal protective equipment, wet bulb globe temperature meters and other supplies.

Tractor Supply https://www.tractorsupply.com/
Tractor Supply sells water coolers, hats, fans, and other supplies.

Home Depot https://www.homedepot.com/
Home Depot sells a variety of supplies like coolers, fans, and other supplies.

Lowes https://www.lowes.com/
Lowes sells a variety of supplies like coolers, fans, and other supplies.

Businesses listed and products from these companies are not endorsed by Rutgers Cooperative Extension or Rutgers University.

Filed Under: Blueberry, Christmas Trees, Commercial Ag Updates, Cranberry, Field, Forage & Livestock, Food Safety, Fruit, Landscape, Nursery, & Turf, Nursery, Organic Production, Strawberry, Tree Fruit, Turf, Vegetable Crops, Wine Grape Tagged With: , ,
August 20, 2024

2025 USDA Sustainable Agriculture Farmer Grant Project Information

Farmers in the Northeast can apply for up to $30,000 in funding for sustainable agriculture projects starting in 2025. These projects can range from experiments to on-farm events and demonstrations or other educational activities.

The Call for 2025 Northeast Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education (SARE) Farmer Grants is now available. Approximately $850,000 has been allocated to fund projects. Awards of up to $30,000 are available. Proposals are due no later than 5:00 p.m. EST on November 12,2024.

Q&A Sessions are taking place alternating Tuesdays and Wednesdays in October. Register once to attend any of the sessions.
Sessions will take place on: Oct 8, 16, 22, 30. from 12 to 1 EST

To register see https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZAlcO-qrjguGtSNrOemAOP7pZWbUCcl5GqN#/registration

To see the call for proposals https://www.sare.org/wp-content/uploads/Northeast-SARE-Farmer-Grant-Call-for-Proposals.pdf

To learn more about the SARE Farmer Grants https://northeast.sare.org/grants/get-a-grant/farmer-grant-program

For More Information contact USDA NESARE or your State Coordinator: Stephen Komar at komar@njaes.rutgers.edu

Filed Under: Agrivoltaics, Blueberry, Christmas Trees, Commercial Ag Updates, Cranberry, Field, Forage & Livestock, Food Safety, Fruit, Organic Production, Strawberry, Tree Fruit, vegetable, Vegetable Crops, Wine Grape Tagged With: ,
June 16, 2024 and

Beat the Heat: Water and Sports Drinks for Hydration

Article By: The Rutgers Farm Health and Safety Working Group: Kate Brown, Michelle Infante-Casella, Stephen Komar and William Bamka

When it comes to hydration, the U.S. National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine recommends an adequate daily fluid intake of about 15.5 cups (3.7 liters) of fluids a day for men and about 11.5 cups (2.7 liters) of fluids a day for women. Even with this guidance, the amount varies from person to person. Also, when temperatures are hotter and when workloads increase so should drinking water, to prevent dehydration and to help maintain the proper body temperature especially when sweating.

Regular intake of water throughout the day and during the evening, at recommended amounts may help prevent a person from becoming excessively thirsty and also prevent dehydration. The choice of drinking sports drinks that contain electrolytes may be considered when a person’s activities dramatically increase, when they excessively sweat, if they show signs of dehydration, and/or heat stress.

Most sports drinks are designed to replenish glucose, fluids, and electrolytes (sodium, potassium, magnesium, calcium) lost during strenuous exercise or heavy workloads. Sports drinks may contain carbohydrates in the form of sugar, usually glucose, high-fructose corn syrup, or sucrose. Some contain no sugar and are “sweetened” instead with low-calorie sweeteners. The amounts of sugar and electrolytes in sports drinks are intended to allow for quick hydration and absorption.

It is important to note, persons with diabetes should be mindful of not intaking amounts of sports drinks that are high in sugar that could raise blood sugar to unhealthy levels. Additionally, persons with high blood pressure should be mindful when drinking sports drinks that are high in sodium – most are. Persons who eat a healthy diet should have enough glucose and electrolytes to maintain their health, even during extra activities and with proper water intake. Some studies show drinking too many sports drinks, especially when not performing vigorous exercise, can increase the risk of overweight/obesity and other health issues such as type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, gout and the risk of dental cavities.

Water is the best choice to stay hydrated and it is the responsibility of each individual person to be sure they drink enough water to maintain their proper health.

Filed Under: 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, Tree Fruit, Turf, Uncategorized, vegetable, Vegetable Crops, Wine Grape Tagged With: , , ,
May 23, 2024

Grape and Wine Science Certificate Program

Grape and Wine Science Certificate Program will be offered July 22-Aug 16, 2024. This program will provide foundational knowledge in three major areas of grape and wine science – grape growing, wine making, and business operations – following the path of grapes from the field to the winery to the glass. Students will gain competency in all three areas to prepare them for positions in the industry. The program will feature 4 weeks of classroom instruction, complemented by hands-on workshops. Then students will complete a 4-week winery internship where they can put their new knowledge and skills into practice. [Read more…]

Filed Under: Blueberry, Commercial Ag Updates, Cranberry, Fruit, Landscape, Nursery, & Turf, Nursery, Organic Production, Strawberry, Tree Fruit, Turf, Vegetable Crops, Wine Grape Tagged With:
May 10, 2024

South Jersey Tree Fruit Twilight Meeting – II

When: May 21 (Tuesday) @ 5 pm

Where: Nichols Orchards: 628 Royal Ave., Franklinville, NJ 08322

Pesticide credits: 1A (5), PP2 (5), and 10 (5) [Read more…]

Filed Under: Blueberry, Cranberry, Fruit, Strawberry, Tree Fruit, Vegetable Crops, Wine Grape Tagged With: ,