Tree Fruit Phenology: Tree Fruit Phenology is advanced. In southern counties some early blooming varieties are at Pink with a few blossoms open. Redhaven was at Bud swell on March 9, and is pre-pink. This is among the earliest observation for this stage over the past 20 years. Only two years were close: 2002 and […]
Continue reading...March 17, 2020 Wes Kline and Meredith Melendez
Produce Pick-Up and Deliveries During the COVID-19 Outbreak- Keeping things Safe
New Jersey produce buyers and shippers are essential in keeping our produce department shelves stocked for consumers. Questions have come into the Rutgers On-Farm Food Safety Team regarding best practices for the shipping or receiving of produce. Communication is key, and prominent signage is the best way to convey your policies. Here are some suggestions […]
Continue reading...March 17, 2020 Michelle Infante-Casella
Status of U.S. Consular Operations in Mexico in Light of COVID-19
In response to the global pandemic COVID-19, and in line with the Mexican government’s call to increase social distancing, the U.S. Embassy in Mexico City and all U.S. consulates in Mexico will suspend routine immigrant and nonimmigrant visa services starting March 18, 2020, and until further notice. For farmers this means, H-2A workers and others […]
Continue reading...March 16, 2020 Thierry Besancon
2020 Recommendations for Preemergence Weed Control in Established Blueberry
With T3 stage scheduled for late March, it’s really time now to apply your preemergence herbicides before blueberry bud break! Preemergence herbicides should be applied prior to weed seed germination. If applied to weeds that are already out of the ground, most of these products will not control them. Keep also in mind that these […]
Continue reading...March 15, 2020 Meredith Melendez
Build Your Own Handwashing Station
Providing handwashing opportunities for customers and those working on the farm is considered a best practice in reducing human pathogen risk. Handwashing stations can be portable and inexpensive. Click on the picture below for one example of an easy to make handwashing station:
Continue reading...March 13, 2020 Meredith Melendez
Your Produce Operation and COVID-19 Concerns
COVID-19 has farmers questioning what they need to do to protect their customers, and businesses. The University of Vermont has published useful information for produce growers on best practices for surface sanitation and hygiene. Considerations for Fruit and Vegetable Growers Related to Coronavirus & COVID-19
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