August 26, 2026

Credits Approved! Landscape IPM Walk at the David C. Shaw Arboretum in Holmdel Park

September 3rd, 2026 – 9:00am to 11:30am

Location: 44 Longstreet Rd, Holmdel, NJ 07733

NJ Pesticide License Recertification Credits

  • 3A: 5
  • 8C: 5
  • 10: 5
  • PP2: 5

Steve Rettke: IPM Program Associate, Rutgers Cooperative Extension

Bill Errickson, PhD: Agriculture Agent, Rutgers Cooperative Extension of Monmouth County

Tim Waller, PhD: Agriculture Agent, Rutgers Cooperative Extension of Cumberland County

This program will provide hands-on experience in IPM best management practices. Participants will tour the ornamental plants of the David C. Shaw Arboretum at Holmdel Park and learn about scouting, monitoring, timing, insect and disease ID for common issues in our area. Safe application of pesticides with a focus on reduced risk materials will also be covered for each pest. The Shaw Arboretum contains specimens of many of the common plant species that green industry professionals work with in the field, making it an ideal environment to learn about proper best management practices for common problems that they may encounter in their operations.

This program is geared towards commercial nursery growers and landscapers.

Space is limited.

Pre-registration is required: $25 (cash, check, or purchase order)

Please RSVP to reserve your spot.

Rutgers Cooperative Extension of Monmouth County

732-431-7260

Catherine.vanBenschoten@co.monmouth.nj.us

 

Hosted by the Rutgers Ornamental IPM Program and Rutgers Cooperative Extension of Monmouth and Cumberland County

 

 

Filed Under: Christmas Trees, Landscape, Nursery, & Turf, Nursery Tagged With: , , , ,
August 10, 2026

Landscape IPM Walk at the David C. Shaw Arboretum in Holmdel Park

September 3rd, 2026 – 9:00am to 11:30am

Location: 44 Longstreet Rd, Holmdel, NJ 07733

NJ Pesticide License Recertification Credits

  • 3A: TBD
  • 8C: TBD
  • 10: TBD
  • PP2: TBD

Steve Rettke: IPM Program Associate, Rutgers Cooperative Extension

Bill Errickson, PhD: Agriculture Agent, Rutgers Cooperative Extension of Monmouth County

This program will provide hands-on experience in IPM best management practices. Participants will tour the ornamental plants of the David C. Shaw Arboretum at Holmdel Park and learn about scouting, monitoring, timing, insect and disease ID for common issues in our area. Safe application of pesticides with a focus on reduced risk materials will also be covered for each pest. The Shaw Arboretum contains specimens of many of the common plant species that green industry professionals work with in the field, making it an ideal environment to learn about proper best management practices for common problems that they may encounter in their operations.

This program is geared towards commercial nursery growers and landscapers.

Space is limited.

Pre-registration is required: $25 (cash, check, or purchase order)

Please RSVP to reserve your spot.

Rutgers Cooperative Extension of Monmouth County

732-431-7260

Catherine.vanBenschoten@co.monmouth.nj.us

 

Hosted by the Rutgers Ornamental IPM Program and Rutgers Cooperative Extension of Monmouth and Cumberland County

 

 

Filed Under: Christmas Trees, Landscape, Nursery, & Turf, Nursery Tagged With: , , , ,
February 10, 2025

Central Jersey Vegetable Growers Meeting

There is still time to register for the 2025 Central Jersey Vegetable Growers Meeting!

February 14th, 2025

8:30 am – 2:30 pm

at the Monmouth County Agricultural Building

4000 Kozloski Road

Freehold, NJ  07728

Registration: $40 (includes morning refreshments and lunch)

For registration questions, contact Cathy VanBenschoten at 732-431-7260

or email to Catherine.VanBenschoten@co.monmouth.nj.us

CJVGM Brochure 2025

NJDEP Pesticide Credits Approved

CORE – 02

PP2 – 03

1A – 03

10 – 02

 

Agenda  

8:30 am to 9:00 am: Registration

9:00 am to 10:00 am (1 hour): Pesticide Safety for Applicators and Handlers

George Hamilton, Ph.D. – Specialist in Pest Management, Rutgers, NJAES, RCE

Safe and effective use of pesticides is essential for controlling pests of vegetables, while protecting human health and the environment. This presentation will focus on the proper storage and use of pesticides and the requirements for training and record keeping applicable to commercial vegetable growers. Dr. Hamilton is an extension specialist and chair of the department of entomology at Rutgers University. He has been involved with the initial certification and recertification of New Jersey’s pesticide applicators since 1986.

 

10:00 am to 11:00 am (1 hour): Updates on Vegetable Disease Control

Andy Wyenandt, Ph.D. – Specialist in Vegetable Pathology, Rutgers, NJAES

Crop losses due to vegetable diseases impact commercial growers every season. As new research findings emerge, our controls are becoming more efficient and effective for addressing these persistent challenges. This presentation fill focus on updates for controlling important diseases in vegetable production as well as new information in the 2023-2024 Commercial Vegetable Production Recommendations.

 

11:00 am to 11:15 am (15 minutes): BREAK

 

11:15 am to 11:45 am (30 minutes): Updates from the Vegetable IPM Program (Pre-recorded presentation)

Amanda Quadrel – Senior IPM Program Coordinator, Rutgers NJAES

Managing insect pests continues to be a major problem for commercial vegetable growers in New Jersey. This talk will discuss important updates to the Rutgers Vegetable IPM program, such as new personnel, new trapping protocols, techniques or products to consider for the upcoming season, and updates on pests and pesticide resistance.

 

11:45 – 12:15 (30 minutes): Industry and Service Provider Updates

 

12:15 pm to 1:00 pm (45 minutes): LUNCH

 

1:00 – 1:30 pm (30 minutes): Food Safety Update for NJ Farms

Meredith Melendez – County Agent, Mercer, Rutgers NJAES, RCE

This talk will provide an Update of the FSMA Produce Safety Rule agricultural water regulations for the 2025 growing season, clarification on NJ Cottage Food Law ingredient allowances, and how gleaning activities can impact your FSMA PSR inspection.

 

1:30 pm to 2:00 pm (30 minutes): Laser Scarecrows for Bird Damage Control

Kate Brown – County Agent, Somerset, Rutgers NJAES, RCE

This presentation will introduce growers to lasers, how they work, and their role in the bird damage control toolbox. The primary goals of this presentation are to describe results from local and regional efficacy trials, highlight laser safety practices, and provide an overview of how lasers are currently being utilized on four NJ farms.

 

2:00 pm to 2:30 pm (30 minutes): Beginner Farmer Program Update

Bill Hlubik – County Agent, Middlesex, Rutgers NJAES, RCE

Matt Milburn – Program Associate, Middlesex, RCE

This presentation will provide an update on the Rutgers RU Ready to Farm Beginner Farmer Training Program and ask the group for input on practical applied research and programs the farmers would like to see in 2025 and beyond.

 

This Annual Event is brought to you by Rutgers Cooperative Extension

Filed Under: pesticide credits, vegetable, Vegetable Crops Tagged With: , ,
January 15, 2025

Central Jersey Turf & Ornamental Institute

February 28th, 2025

8:30 am – 3:30 pm

at the Monmouth County Agricultural Building

4000 Kozloski Road

Freehold, NJ  07728

Registration: $75 (includes morning refreshments and lunch

CJTOI Brochure 2025

For registration questions, contact Cathy VanBenschoten at 732-431-7260

or email to Catherine.VanBenschoten@co.monmouth.nj.us

DEP Pesticide Credits Applied For:

Core – TBD

PP2 – TBD

1A  – TBD

2  – TBD

3A  – TBD

3B  – TBD

6A  – TBD

6B  – TBD

7A  – TBD

8A  – TBD

8B  – TBD

8C  – TBD

9  – TBD

10  – TBD

13 – TBD

 

 

Program Agenda

8:30 – 9:00 AM            Registration/Sign-in

 

9:00 – 10:00 AM          Pesticide Safety Regulations and Updates

George Hamilton Ph.D. – Specialist in Pest Management, RCE, Rutgers, NJAES

 

10:00 – 10:30 AM        Mosquito Management for Green Industry Professionals

Dina Fonseca Ph.D. – Professor, Chair Dept. of Entomology, Director, Center for Vector Biology, Rutgers University

 

10:30 – 11:00 AM       Managing Ticks in NJ

 Emily Fontaine – Program Coordinator, NJTicks4Science, Rutgers University

 

11:00 – 11:15 AM       Break

 

 11:15 – 11:45 PM        IPM Essentials for Ornamentals

William Errickson – Monmouth County Agricultural Agent, RCE, Rutgers, NJAES

 

11:45 – 12:15 PM       Boxwood Best Management Practices

Timothy Waller Ph.D. – Cumberland County Agricultural Agent, RCE, Rutgers, NJAES

 

12:15 – 1:00 PM          LUNCH

 

 1:00 – 1:30 PM           Managing Invasive Plants

Michele Bakacs – Middlesex County Natural Resources Agent, RCE, Rutgers, NJAES

 

1:30 – 2:00 PM            Mites: Magnificent Marvels of Miniature Malevolence

Steve Rettke – IPM Program Associate, RCE, Rutgers, NJAES

 

2:00 – 2:30 PM             Things to Consider Before Applying Fungicides to Control Turfgrass Diseases

Ming-Yi Chou –  Extension Specialist in Turfgrass Pathology, Rutgers University

 

2:30 – 3:00 PM           Innovations in Weed Management

Matthew Elmore Ph.D.  – Extension Specialist in Weed Science, Rutgers University

 

3:00 – 3:30 PM           Implementation of Best Establishment Practices Can Reduce Weed Encroachment and Herbicide Use

Bradley Park – Researcher in Turfgrass Management, Rutgers University

 

3:30 Pesticide Credits, Evaluations, Adjourn

 

This Annual Event is Hosted by Rutgers Cooperative Extension

 

Filed Under: Landscape, Nursery, & Turf Tagged With: , , , ,
January 8, 2025

Central Jersey Vegetable Growers Meeting

February 14th, 2025

8:30 am – 2:30 pm

at the Monmouth County Agricultural Building

4000 Kozloski Road

Freehold, NJ  07728

Registration: $40 (includes morning refreshments and lunch)

CJVGM Brochure 2025

For registration questions, contact Cathy VanBenschoten at 732-431-7260

or email to Catherine.VanBenschoten@co.monmouth.nj.us

DEP Pesticide Credits Applied For:

CORE – TBD

1A – TBD

PP2 – TBD

10 – TBD

 

Agenda  

8:30 am to 9:00 am: Registration

9:00 am to 10:00 am (1 hour): Pesticide Safety for Applicators and Handlers

George Hamilton, Ph.D. – Specialist in Pest Management, Rutgers, NJAES, RCE

Safe and effective use of pesticides is essential for controlling pests of vegetables, while protecting human health and the environment. This presentation will focus on the proper storage and use of pesticides and the requirements for training and record keeping applicable to commercial vegetable growers. Dr. Hamilton is an extension specialist and chair of the department of entomology at Rutgers University. He has been involved with the initial certification and recertification of New Jersey’s pesticide applicators since 1986.

 

10:00 am to 11:00 am (1 hour): Updates on Vegetable Disease Control

Andy Wyenandt, Ph.D. – Specialist in Vegetable Pathology, Rutgers, NJAES

Crop losses due to vegetable diseases impact commercial growers every season. As new research findings emerge, our controls are becoming more efficient and effective for addressing these persistent challenges. This presentation fill focus on updates for controlling important diseases in vegetable production as well as new information in the 2023-2024 Commercial Vegetable Production Recommendations.

 

11:00 am to 11:15 am (15 minutes): BREAK

 

11:15 am to 11:45 am (30 minutes): Updates from the Vegetable IPM Program (Pre-recorded presentation)

Amanda Quadrel – Senior IPM Program Coordinator, Rutgers NJAES

Managing insect pests continues to be a major problem for commercial vegetable growers in New Jersey. This talk will discuss important updates to the Rutgers Vegetable IPM program, such as new personnel, new trapping protocols, techniques or products to consider for the upcoming season, and updates on pests and pesticide resistance.

 

11:45 – 12:15 (30 minutes): Industry and Service Provider Updates

 

12:15 pm to 1:00 pm (45 minutes): LUNCH

 

1:00 – 1:30 pm (30 minutes): Food Safety Update for NJ Farms

Meredith Melendez – County Agent, Mercer, Rutgers NJAES, RCE

This talk will provide an Update of the FSMA Produce Safety Rule agricultural water regulations for the 2025 growing season, clarification on NJ Cottage Food Law ingredient allowances, and how gleaning activities can impact your FSMA PSR inspection.

 

1:30 pm to 2:00 pm (30 minutes): Laser Scarecrows for Bird Damage Control

Kate Brown – County Agent, Somerset, Rutgers NJAES, RCE

This presentation will introduce growers to lasers, how they work, and their role in the bird damage control toolbox. The primary goals of this presentation are to describe results from local and regional efficacy trials, highlight laser safety practices, and provide an overview of how lasers are currently being utilized on four NJ farms.

 

2:00 pm to 2:30 pm (30 minutes): Beginner Farmer Program Update

Bill Hlubik – County Agent, Middlesex, Rutgers NJAES, RCE

Matt Milburn – Program Associate, Middlesex, RCE

This presentation will provide an update on the Rutgers RU Ready to Farm Beginner Farmer Training Program and ask the group for input on practical applied research and programs the farmers would like to see in 2025 and beyond.

 

This Annual Event is brought to you by Rutgers Cooperative Extension

 

Filed Under: Food Safety, vegetable, Vegetable Crops Tagged With: , , ,
August 5, 2024

Rutgers Cooperative Extension Beginner Farmer Training Program In National News Spotlight

Kudos to fellow Rutgers Professor/County Agent William Hlubik, and congratulations to his team for getting a spotlight on our aging American farmers! The need for new farmers, and the great Rutgers Cooperative Extension and other programs out there that assist those beginner farmers, was the topic of a special segment of CBS Evening News ‘Eye on America’ last week. It’s been exciting to watch the enthusiastic students graduating from Bill’s RU Ready to Farm program with the knowledge and resources to make farming a successful career choice. Thanks to CBS Evening News for covering this important topic! You can watch the clip here:

As America’s farming population ages, a new program looks to cultivate its next generation – CBS News

Filed Under: Christmas Trees, Commercial Ag Updates, Landscape, Nursery, & Turf Tagged With: , , , ,