NJDA

Zach Heiken, a Salem County vegetable and grain grower, and New Jersey’s 2025 Outstanding Young Farmer, was selected as a winner at the 2025 Outstanding Young Farmers of America Convention. Read more at bit.ly/3WTpx1b @JerseyFreshNJDA @RutgersNJAES @NJFarmBureau

We are seeking to treat 13,712 acres of residential- and county-owned properties in Burlington, Cape May, Passaic, Morris and Sussex counties to combat the tree-killing Lymantria dispar dispar (LDD – formerly called the gypsy moth). Read more at bit.ly/4h5AFj4

Warren County farmer Richard Gardner was sworn into his term on the New Jersey State Board of Agriculture today during the Board’s monthly meeting. Read more at bit.ly/3CM24Yo @JerseyFreshNJDA @RutgersNJAES @njveggies @NJFarmBureau

The NJ State Board of Ag 2026 Budget Listening Session is open for registration. Anyone who would like to participate is encouraged to register by Nov. 8 at bit.ly/NJSBOABudget. Written testimony is highly encouraged & can be sent to BudgetFeedback@ag.nj.gov @JerseyFreshNJDA

A Salem County geriatric gelding pony has been identified as a confirmed case of Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE), a serious mosquito-borne illness in horses, in New Jersey. The unvaccinated pony was euthanized as a result of the disease. Read more at bit.ly/4dZnWxn

Secretary Wengryn highlighted Jersey Fresh peaches and National Peach Month with a visit to Eastern Propak in Gloucester County on Friday. Read more at bit.ly/3X0EgXx @JerseyFreshNJDA @RutgersNJAES @NJFarmBureau

A 15-year-old Atlantic County mare has been identified as a confirmed case of Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE), a serious mosquito-borne illness in horses, in New Jersey. It is the first reported case of EEE for a New Jersey horse in 2024. Read more at bit.ly/3AhZwAh

The NJ Departments of Ag, DEP & Health announce the creation of a comprehensive website to share the most up to date information on prevention and response to the H5N1 virus, a form of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza, in New Jersey. Read more at bit.ly/3YvVqOZ @NJGov

The Department has received funds under the State Food Purchase Program, which may be allocated to support the Gleaning Support Program. These funds may be requested from the NJDA by interested eligible nonprofit entities. Read more at bit.ly/3AkaDIG @JerseyFreshNJDA

Secretary Wengryn, USDA, and local representatives today highlighted the success of the Summer Food Service Program in NJ with a visit to the Pemberton Early Childhood Learning Center. bit.ly/4bXwvHi @JerseyFreshNJDA @NJFarmBureau @USDANutrition @RutgersNJAES @NJGov

We will highlight National Blueberry Day on Monday, July 8 with visits to shore towns Wildwood, Atlantic City & Seaside Heights where staff will be distributing free Jersey Fresh blueberries to beachgoers. Read more at bit.ly/4cojGXx @JerseyFreshNJDA @NJFarmBureau @NJGov

Governor Murphy announced that Edward D. Wengryn (seated with State Board of Agriculture President Holly Sytsema) will serve as the New Jersey Secretary of Agriculture, following his appointment by the State Board of Agriculture today. Read more at bit.ly/3TN9Qrf @NJGov

With cooler temperatures expected, NJ DEP has agreed to allow farmers to do controlled open burning or use specialized torches known as smudge pots to protect flowering crops today through March 26. Read more at bit.ly/4crksDA @JerseyFreshNJDA @RutgersNJAES @NJFarmBureau

Assistant Secretary Atchison, Department staff and USDA officials celebrated National School Breakfast Week on Wednesday by visiting Washington Middle School in Harrison School District in Hudson County. Read more at bit.ly/3T5pFb3 @USDANutrition @farmtoschoolnj

Assistant Secretary Atchison announced NJ will be participating in the USDA’s new Summer Electronic Benefit Transfer program to provide more food availability to children and families in need. Read more at bit.ly/3T2Gkfo @NJGov @JerseyFreshNJDA @NJDHS @NJEA @NJFarmBureau

USDA AMS has a cooperative agreement with New Jersey under the Resilient Food Systems Infrastructure Program (RFSI). More than $3M is available in grant funding. @NJDA is taking applications through March 15, 2024. ow.ly/mXFK50QHXZ6

Congratulations to Salem County's Byron DuBois and his wife Karen for being selected as a winner in the National Outstanding Young Farmer Program. Read more at bit.ly/3SLMHDF @JerseyFreshNJDA @NJFarmBureau @RutgersNJAES @NJGov

The NJDA has partnered with Rutgers to develop the NJ ManureLink to provide a unique web-listing service for livestock farmers with composters and farmers looking to sustainably use this nutrient rich material. Read more at bit.ly/4bgyU0q @JerseyFreshNJDA @RutgersNJAES

Assistant Secretary Atchison today announced a redesigned website to discover and explore information about the state’s efforts to help animals in disaster through its animal emergency management program. Read more at bit.ly/4aMz3IQ @ReadyNJ @JerseyFreshNJDA

The Department has proposed treating lands in Burlington, Cape May, Passaic, and Sussex counties this year to combat the tree-killing Lymantria dispar, dispar (LDD – formerly known as gypsy moth). Read more at bit.ly/47pXNDV @NJFarmBureau @RutgersNJAES