Wes Kline and I have been fielding questions about whether farms will be closed down. Our answer is, “NO!” for the following reasons. Agricultural is considered an essential industry by the state and federal governments. Agricultural workers are also considered essential. Your workers should not have an issue going to work. What you need to […]
Continue reading...April 2, 2020 Rick VanVranken
Letter Template for Food/Agriculture Critical Employees
There have been several calls today regarding a form letter required for farm laborers to travel to NJ farms during the current COVID-19 shut down. A draft Letter for Employee Travel Related to Critical Infrastructureis available from the New Jersey Department of Agriculture (this is in pdf format that must be retyped onto your company […]
Continue reading...April 2, 2020 Andy Wyenandt
Vegetable Disease Update – 4/2/20
White rust and Anthracnose have been reported in spinach in southern New Jersey this week. Symptoms of white rust include yellow lesions on the upper leaf surface and white blister-like pustules on the underside of the leaf. Generally, the upper surface of the leaves remain chlorotic, however in advanced stages, white lesions may form on […]
Continue reading...April 1, 2020 Meredith Melendez
USDA Audits Expiration Dates Extended
Please see the press release below with regards to USDA Audit Program Certifications. Also, the Rutgers On-Farm Food Safety Website is being updated with the latest Covid-19 information as it relates to agriculture. We encourage you to check it frequently. Please reach out if you need us, we are not in the office but we […]
Continue reading...March 31, 2020 Anna Molinski
What Herbicide Should I Use in Spring 2020 for Preemergence Control in New Jersey Vineyards?
Preemergence herbicides should be applied prior to weed seed germination AND prior to bud break. If applied to weeds that are already out of the ground, most of these products will not control them. Keep in mind that these herbicides should receive at least ½” rainfall or irrigation one to seven days after application (depending on herbicides) […]
Continue reading...March 31, 2020 Rick VanVranken
Selling Rutgers Plant Varieties? How to Get Your Business on the “Where to Buy” List
The COVID-19 shutdown has lead to a surge of interest in planting home vegetable gardens this spring according to this NY Times article. The Rutgers NJAES Rediscover the Jersey Tomato program provides a list of markets where people can buy Rutgers 250 tomato seedlings and other popular Rutgers varieties of tomatoes, strawberries, basil, habanero peppers, dogwoods, and more […]
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