A panel discussion on the topic of ‘Mechanization of Nursery Operations’ was held on 16 Jan, 2018, at Clayton in Gloucester County. The panel comprised of progressive nursery growers of NJ, who shared their experiences, observations and perspectives on mechanization of potting, pruning and spacing operations. This article focuses on potting. [Read more…]
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January 15, 2019 Rick VanVranken
2019 NJ State Agricultural Convention & Trade Show – Feb 5, 6, 7
Harrah’s Resort & Waterfront Conference Center – Atlantic City
- Rutgers Cooperative Extension agents and specialists have finished the educational sessions with topics covering a wide range of topics.
- The Vegetable Growers Association says the trade show is just about sold out with industry vendors from near and far.
- The NJ Dept of Agriculture has shared the preliminary schedule for the State Board of Agriculture’s policy sessions.
The only thing left is for you to register and join us in Atlantic City. Registration/membership details and hotel reservations can be found on the VGANJ convention website.
November 15, 2018 Jim Murphy
Soil Health
For those interested in soil health – we all should be – the Soil Health Institute has release a 60-minute documentary featuring innovative farmers and soil health experts from throughout the U.S. You can view the film at https://livingsoilfilm.com/
September 21, 2018 Thierry Besancon
Webinar on Best Practices for Pesticide Aerial Application
Register for September 27 Webinar on Best Practices for Pesticide Aerial Application
EPA is hosting a webinar titled “Best Practices for Aerial Application” on September 27, 2018, from 2 – 3:30 pm ET. This webinar is tailored for growers, pesticide applicators, pest management professionals, and other interested stakeholders who work in crop production.
Webinar presenter, Dr. Bradley Fritz, is an agricultural engineer from the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), and serves as the Research Leader of the Aerial Application Technology Research Unit at USDA’s Agricultural Research Service. The presentation will cover different methods of aerial application, best practices for reducing spray particle drift when using aerial application equipment, nozzle selection, and the use of adjuvants as they relate to aerial application.
Learn more about reducing pesticide drift.
August 23, 2018 Matthew Elmore
Insane Rain
The summer of 2018 isn’t going away quietly for many in New Jersey. August 2018 will be remembered for a steady dose of torrential rain that has made turfgrass management extremely difficult, especially in the northern half of the state. In the last 30 days, over 12 inches of rain have fallen across several counties […]
August 18, 2018 Anne Nielsen
Monitoring for SLF Egg Masses
Spotted lanternfly egg mass – photo by A.L. Nielsen
Spotted lanternfly is a new invasive species in NJ. Egg masses are brownish grey and generally laid on bark in early fall and appear like a smudge of mud. Adults are expected to start egg laying in August and continue through November or the first hard frost.
SLF eggs overwinter and can be laid on multiple hard surfaces, including fence posts, trees, patio furniture, fruit bins, landscaping stones, railway cars, etc. Due to this they can be easily transported and represent a significant risk to SLF populations spreading. Vehicles, stones, agricultural equipment, and fruit bins coming from PA or VA should be inspected for egg masses beginning in August. Within state movement is also of concern to prevent new populations. If found, egg masses can be scraped into a plastic bag and frozen to limit spread and future impact of this pest.
