Agricultural Drone Training Opportunity for New Jersey Commercial Farmers

Rutgers Cooperative Extension is offering a valuable training opportunity for New Jersey commercial farmers on Friday, November 6, and Friday, November 13, 2026, at the Rutgers Snyder Research Farm, 140 Locust Grove Road, Pittstown, NJ.

Through a USDA Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education (SARE) Professional Development Grant, the Rutgers Agricultural Drone Team, led by Agricultural Agent Stephen Komar, is offering a two-day agricultural drone training at no cost to participating farmers. Grant funding for this course is specifically intended to provide drone training to commercial farmers in New Jersey.

The course will prepare participants to learn how to obtain their FAA Remote Pilot Certificate (Part 107), which is required to operate drones for commercial agricultural purposes. Training will include information and resources to help participants prepare for the Part 107 certification examination. On the second day, participants will also receive hands-on instruction and have the opportunity to fly drones at the Rutgers Snyder Research Farm.

Limited Enrollment — Please Commit to Both Days

Enrollment is limited to 10 participants. Those pre-registered prior to the class being filled, will receive access to training materials for studying and practice tests to help prepare for the Part 107 certification exam.

Because space and training materials are limited, please register only if you are able to attend both November 6 and November 13. If you register and do not attend, you may prevent another New Jersey farmer from participating in this training opportunity.

To ensure that the training is available to as many farms as possible, registration is limited to one person per farm. Participants must also be 18 years of age or older.

Please see the bulletin below for additional information.

Registration:
https://forms.cloud.microsoft/r/EU6CBcmpBG

Questions Contact:
Stephen Komar, Agricultural Agent
Rutgers Cooperative Extension of Sussex County
Email: komar@njaes.rutgers.edu
Phone: 973-948-3040, ext. 3

South Jersey Wine Grape Twilight

When:     May 20 (Wed) 5:00 PM
Where:    Saddlehill Winery and Vineyards: 1407 White Horse Rd, Voorhees Township, NJ 08043
Credits:  CORE; PP2; 1A; 10

5:00 pm Welcome and Updates
        Bill Green, Owner, Saddlehill Winery
        Hemant Gohil, Gloucester County Extension Agent, Rutgers NJAES

        Drone in Vineyard Applications – Demonstration
        What Should You Know to Legally Fly Drones in Agricultural Applications?
        Nathan Graham, UAV/Drone Specialist, Hoober Inc., PA.

        Field Observations from the Wine Grape IPM Pilot Program
        Janine Spies, Statewide Fruit IPM Program Leader, Rutgers NJAES.

        Insect Pest Management in the Vineyard
        Anne Nielsen, Extension Specialist in Fruit Entomology, Rutgers NJAES.

        Timing, Chemistry, Coverage: The Formula for Effective Disease Control
        Nancy Sharma, Extension Specialist, Fruit Pathology, Rutgers NJAES.

        Weed Management Updates for Vineyard
        Thierry Besancon, Extension Specialist, Weed Science, Rutgers NJAES.

        Pesticide recertification credits and adjourn.

Light fare will be provided. 
If you plan to attend, please email Joan Medany at jmedany@co.gloucester.nj.us or call 856-224-8030. 
For additional assistance, please contact Hemant Gohil at 856-224-8029 before the meeting.

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