Vegetable Crops Edition

Seasonal updates and alerts on insects, diseases, and weeds impacting vegetable crops. New Jersey Commercial Vegetable Production Recommendations updates between annual publication issues are included.
 
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NJ Commercial Vegetable Production Recommendations

Rutgers Weather Forecasting - Meteorological Information important to commercial agriculture.

January 5, 2022

Online Paraquat Handling Certification, National Pesticide Safety Education Center

In 2016, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) determined in the ‘Paraquat Dichloride Human Health Mitigation Decision’ that all certified pesticide applicators must successfully complete an EPA approved training program before mixing, loading and/or applying Paraquat. “The training provides important information about paraquat’s toxicity, new label requirements and restrictions, and the consequences of misuse.” – (EPA)

For additional information and frequently asked questions, go to https://www.epa.gov/pesticide-worker-safety/paraquat-dichloride-training-certified-applicators.

The certified course can be found online at the National Pesticide Safety Education Center at this link https://npsec.us/paraquat. The training module is available in both English and Spanish.

On August 2, 2021, the EPA released the interim decision (ID) regarding further mitigation measures that all applicators must follow. To download a copy of all mitigation measures including new product label mandatory spray drift management language, enclosed cab requirement, backpack sprayer prohibition, and alfalfa rate per acre limitation, go to https://www.regulations.gov/document/EPA-HQ-OPP-2011-0855-0307.

Filed Under: Commercial Ag Updates, Field, Forage & Livestock, Fruit, Vegetable Crops
December 21, 2021

Your Input Needed on Vegetable Insect Pest Management

Dear vegetable producer,

Joe Ingerson-Mahar and I are collaborating with researchers at Purdue University and The College of Wooster and are asking you to participate in a study titled “Insect Pest Management in Vegetable Crops Survey” (Purdue IRB protocol no. 2021-979). The purpose of this study is to gather information on insect pest management practices and strategies used by vegetable producers in the Great Lakes and Mid-Atlantic regions. The information provided will help direct pest management research and extension programs in specialty crop production.

You must be at least 18 years of age to participate. The survey will take approximately 20-25 minutes to complete. The survey is anonymous and the researchers have pledged to keep your data confidential. Only aggregated results will be reported in any publications or presentations about the study.

In appreciation of your participation in the survey, you can choose to enter a raffle for a hardcopy of one of two complimentary production guides:  the Midwest Vegetable Production Guide for Commercial Growers ($21 value), or the Mid-Atlantic Commercial Vegetable Production Guide ($25 value). Instructions for entering the raffle will be given at the end of the survey.

To begin the online survey, click this link.

Participation in this study is voluntary and you may withdraw from participation at any time. If you have any questions, you may contact the researchers:

Dr. Carlo Moreno (First point of contact)
The College of Wooster
931 College Mall, Wooster, OH, 44691
Phone: 330-287-1982
Email: cmoreno@wooster.edu

Dr. Elizabeth Long
Purdue University
901 W. State Street, Lafayette, IN 47907
Phone: 765-496-1918
Email: long132@purdue.edu

Filed Under: Vegetable Crops Tagged With: , , , , ,
December 20, 2021

Changes in Consumer Price Indexes for food, 2019 through 2022

Food Price Outlook
“The Consumer Price Index (CPI) for food is a component of the all-items CPI. The CPI measures the average change over time in the prices paid by urban consumers for a representative market basket of consumer goods and services. While the all-items CPI measures the price changes for all consumer goods and services, including food, the CPI for food measures the changes in the retail prices of food items only. ERS’s monthly update is usually released on the 25th of the month; however, if the 25th falls on a weekend or a holiday, the monthly update will be published on either the 23rd or 24th.” – USDA Economic Research Service.

Click here to download the excel spreadsheet ‘Consumer Price Index’ 

For more information go to https://www.ers.usda.gov/data-products/food-price-outlook/

Filed Under: Field, Forage & Livestock, Fruit, Vegetable Crops
December 20, 2021

Next Generation Fertilizer Awards Announced

WASHINGTON, October 19, 2021 – Today, the U.S. Department of Agriculture and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced the winners of the Next Gen Fertilizer Innovations Challenge, the second of a two-part, joint USDA-EPA Partnership and Competition on Enhanced Efficiency Fertilizers (EEFs) to Advance Agricultural Sustainability in the United States. The goal of the competition is to improve the efficiency of fertilizers to increase crop yields while reducing the impacts of fertilizers on the environment. – USDA Press Release 0224.21, December 19, 2021

To read the full report and winners, go to https://www.usda.gov/media/press-releases/2021/10/19/usda-and-epa-announce-winners-next-gen-fertilizer-innovations

Filed Under: Field, Forage & Livestock, Fruit, Vegetable Crops
December 14, 2021

Webinar on FDA’s Proposed Ag Water Rule Thursday December 16 at 3:00

The FDA recently released the long-anticipated proposed changes to the agricultural water requirements (Subpart E) of the Produce Safety Rule. On Thursday, December 16 at 3:00 pm ET, join United Fresh, PMA, Georgia Fruit and Vegetable Growers Association, Northwest Horticultural Council and Western Growers for a timely webinar covering what FDA has proposed and where FDA is seeking public comment (due April 5).

To learn more about the proposed changes and the process of public comment sign up for the webinar: Webinar Registration – Zoom

Filed Under: Commercial Ag Updates, Food Safety, Fruit, Vegetable Crops
December 11, 2021

Cut Costs (Not Fingers) When Prepping Firewood

Using a high-efficiency wood or pellet stove can be a cost-effective way to reduce your home heating costs compared to other fuels like natural gas, fuel oil, or electricity. According to Penn State Extension, the greatest savings are realized when you cut your own firewood rather than opting to buy pellets or have cordwood delivered. However, there are several hazards associated with use of a chainsaw or ax for felling trees or splitting firewood; the CDC estimates 36,000 people visit hospital emergency departments annually for injuries caused by chainsaws. If you plan to cut your own firewood this winter, it’s important to keep safety top of mind. [Read more…]

Filed Under: Commercial Ag Updates, Field, Forage & Livestock, Fruit, Landscape, Nursery, & Turf, Vegetable Crops Tagged With: ,