Focus on Soybeans-Web Resources

        As part of its tech transfer efforts, the United Soybean Board (National Checkoff Program) purchased 500 one-year subscriptions to the Plant Management Network (PMN) for soybean growers and the consultants who work for them.  These subscriptions are available on a first-come, first-serve basis, and they are intended for individuals who did not subscribe during USB’s 500-subscription promotion last fall.  This subscription includes access to PMN’s entire collection of “Focus on Soybeans” webcasts and thousands of pest control trial results and Extension publications. 

         A listing of PMN’s soybean-inclusive resources can be found at:   http://www.plantmanagementnetwork.org/subscriptions/details/soybean.asp  

You can sign up for a free one-year subscription to all the Plant Management  Networks content through the signup form at the following short link: http://bit.ly/GFDCzj.   

           
Just enter the required contact information, scroll down toward the bottom of the page,    

             enter your preferred username and password, and click “submit”.  Make sure to record your username and password on paper for safekeeping.

Zane R. Helsel

Soybean Seeding Rates for 2012

With the high price of soybeans (and seed), it is important to choose the proper planting rate this spring.

Thanks to the NJ Soybean Board (Checkoff program), a seeding rate recommendation sticker - appropriate for attaching under your planter box cover - is available for your use. You can pick up these stickers at some County Cooperative Extension offices or by contacting the NJ Soybean Board (www.njsoybean.org).
To see the sticker full view, click below - then right click on the image to download or print.

When reviewing the recommendation rates be sure to look at the footnotes for adjustments for such things as planting early or late. The rates provided are basic rates and can be adjusted upward for some "insurance" particularly if planting at higher speeds on somewhat rough seedbeds where planter bounce can result in varying depths and coverage.
-Zane Helsel

Focus on soybeans

Educational information including webcasts are available on various soybean topics relevant to the upcoming growing season. The Plant Management Network offers "Focus on Soybeans" which is sponsored by your national United Soybean Board (checkoff program) and various agribusinesses. Go to the following site and take a look at the menu of items available http://www.plantmanagementnetwork.org/fos 

Zane R. Helsel

Cereal Rust Mite

Over the past day or so I have begun receiving reports of cereal rust mite in timothy hay fields in the southern portion of the state. Keep in mind that cereal rust mite can reduce yields from 30 to 70 percent. Also, it can result in discolored brown hay which reduces the visual quality of the hay, which in turn can make buyers reluctant to purchase your hay. Growers should be scouting timothy fields now for juvenile mites and eggs. Information about cereal rust mite and its control is available in a Rutgers Fact Sheet.

Bill Bamka

March 16 - Deadline Date for AWMP/BMP Compliance

Deadline is Here:  Are you in compliance?

 

The New Jersey Department of Agriculture adopted regulations in March 2009 that require all livestock farm owners to responsibly manage the manure generated on their operations--including those with horses, dairy cows, cattle, swine, goats, sheep, poultry and all other domesticated species defined as livestock. All New Jersey farmers with livestock are required to be in compliance with these regulations by March 16, 2012.

 

The Animal Waste Management regulations require all farms with any livestock to comply with the following General Requirements of the rule:

1. Agricultural animal operations shall not allow animals in confined areas to have uncontrolled access to waters of the state.
2. Manure storage areas shall be located at least 100 linear feet from waters of the state.
3. Land application of animal waste shall be performed in accordance with the principles of the NJDA Best Management Practices (BMP) Manual.
4. Dead animals and related animal waste resulting from a reportable contagious disease or an act of bio-terrorism shall not be disposed of without first contacting the State Veterinarian.
5. Any person entering a farm to conduct official business related to these rules shall follow bio-security protocols.

In addition to the General Requirements listed above, all livestock operations with 8 to 299 "Animal Units" (one Animal Unit = 1,000 pounds) are required to implement an Animal Waste Management Plan by March 16, 2012. This plan must be in accordance with the New Jersey Department of Agriculture manual (On Farm Strategies to Protect Water Quality). Exact requirements will vary with size and density of operation. Check with one of the Extension offices listed below for details.

 The Department of Agriculture will investigate alleged violations of the rules and take appropriate action, which may include fines of up to $ 1,000 per day for each violation as determined. The Department may allow the owner or operator up to 60 days to address or correct the non-compliance before imposing penalties.

According to New Jersey Statute (N.J.S.A. 4:1C) farmers must comply with all relevant federal and state statutes and regulations in order to maintain "Right to Farm Protection." New Jersey's Right to Farm Act protects responsible commercial farmers from public and private nuisance actions and unduly restrictive municipal regulations. Failure to comply with the Animal Waste Management Rule may result in loss of these protections.

It is not too late to complete your AWMP plans or begin work on any needed BMP's.  Rutgers Cooperative Extension has provided training for livestock farmers since the initiation of the rule back in March of 2009. Extension offices will be available for assistance with compliance questions and will schedule individual meetings as needed.  Please follow this link for more information Rutgers Animal Waste Management Resources.

You may also contact the following Extension offices for additional information.

Burlington County Extension Office 609-265-5050

Hunterdon County Extension Office 908-788-1338

Salem County Extension Office 856-769-0090

Sussex County Extension Office 973-948-3040

A list of Extension offices and contact information may be found at: http://njaes.rutgers.edu/county/.