RCE Optimizing and Measuring Spray Distribution from Air Blast Sprayers

Date: May 11, 2011 Time: 5:30pm

Location: Coia Vinyards, 3680 Oak Rd, East Vineland

Ag Engineer, Dr. Andrew Landers, of Cornell University, works with application systems in grapes, apples, vegetables and turf grass. Dr. Landers is author of the classic text book, Farm Machinery: Selection, Investment and Management. He has recently published a new book, Effective Vineyard Spraying.

New Farm Accident Profiles

Recent studies of farm accidents have discovered some interesting facts.

1) Both farm workers and old people are more likely to be injured than farmers themselves.

2) Interesting, farmers who live alone have a lower probability of being injured on the farm. It is speculated that they know there is no help available and therefore are more careful.

3) Both "habitual and routine" farm operations constitute the most farm accidents and not new unfamilar tasks.

4) Farmers who had other documented health issues and had good medical records were less likely to have farm accidents.

Ray Samulis

Congress to Determine Smith-Lever Ag Appropriation Friday, May 13

Congress considers the FY 2012 Agriculture Appropriations bill this Friday, May 13th.

The Smith-Lever Act of 1914 is a partnership between USDA and America's land-grant universities and provides funding for delivery of Cooperative Extension programs vital to the people of the United States. States are required to provide at least a one-to one match.

Cooperative Extension needs your help. Sustained funding is critically needed for Extension to continue to help producers, consumers, families, and communities find science-based solutions to significant problems.
Visit Effective Political Communications for information on how best to voice your support for Cooperative Extension by contacting your Representatives and Senators.

Getting a Handle on Geese and Turkeys

Last night at the directors' meeting of the Vegetable Growers Association of New Jersey, there was a discussion about the growing issue of damage to crops by geese and turkeys.
-- Rick VanVranken

Aphids found in lettuce field and pepper transplants

On Tuesday, May 3 aphids were found in lettuce fields in South Eastern Gloucester County. On the same day aphids were found on pepper transplants in a greenhouse in the same region. High temperatures on Tuesday increased aphid activity.  Heavy rains the next day reduced populations in the field and cooler temperatures should slow aphids in the short term. Monitor fields for aphids and other pests brought on by warmer temperatures.

Expanded Label for Presidio

The EPA has expanded the label for Presidio (fluopicolide, FRAC code 43) for use on Brassica Leafy Vegetables, Root and Tuber Vegetables, Potatoes, and Carrots. This Supplemental label also reduced the rotational interval for wheat from 18 months to 30 days.
Presidio Fungicide Supplemental Label
Andy Wyenandt

Food safety auditing in produce- is it working?

Due to a proactive industry response, including training by Rutgers Cooperative Extension and a model third party audit system developed with the NJ Dept of Agriculture, Garden State growers seem to be ahead of the curve in adopting and understanding the importance of food safety practices. Other producers may be struggling a bit more with the concepts, as indicated by a safefoodblog post forwarded by FL Ag Agent Gene McAvoy.
--Rick VanVranken