USDA Serves Up Food Safety Guidelines for Your Summer Cookout
By U.S. Department of Agriculture
As friends and families get ready to kick off summer by firing up the grill and serving foods at a cookout, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) shares some tips to keep your celebrations safe.
“Food safety is a year-round priority, but it’s especially important during summer months when we’re cooking outdoors and handling food
in warmer temperatures,” said FSIS Administrator Dr. Denise Eblen. “We have simple but effective steps that can keep you and your family safe while enjoying those outdoor meals.”
Here are some key recommendations.
Clean Your Grill:
• Grill surfaces should be washed with soap and water. Ensure old residue is scraped off.
• If you don’t have access to a faucet, carry bottled water, soap and paper towels.
After washing, start your grill and allow the heat to kill any remaining bacteria before cooking.
Prevent Cross-Contamination:
• Pack raw meats in sealed containers at the bottom of the cooler to prevent juices from contaminating other items.
• When grilling, use separate plates, cutting boards, and utensils for raw and cooked foods.
• Never place cooked food on plates that held raw meat, poultry or seafood.
Tom Castronovo/Photo
GardenerNews.com
Although Virginia sweetspire, Itea virginica, is one of our most popular native shrubs, you may not have seen it before. Let me introduce you to the plant: Virginia sweetspire is a very showy, rounded shrub, 3-6 feet tall. In June and early July, it is suddenly smothered with 2-6 inch long, bottlebrush-like racemes made up of numerous 5-petaled, star-shaped, white flowers. The overall effect is quite dramatic.
The genus name for Virginia sweetspire is Itea, which means willow in Greek. The species name virginica refers to the location of where the plant was first found by European botanists. Virginia sweetspire is not a willow however, although the leaves and flowers somewhat resemble willow leaves and flowers in general shape. Itea virginica actually has no relatives in the Americas; its closest relatives are in east Asia.
Sweetspire’s graceful, cylindrical racemes arch downwards and start maturing from the base towards the tip. This process extends the blooming season for weeks. As suggested by the common name,
Ahh, it’s June, the flowers are blooming, bees buzzing and birds chirping! This month, we are working hard on the upcoming NJ Contractors Showcase Expo at County College of Morris on August 6th. Our exhibit spaces are filling up, and attendees are signing up.
We’re talking about doing some hands-on demos and are excited to see all the equipment attendees will get to try out! But I want to talk about how the association interacts with all walks of life and the opportunities that come together because of the association.
When you think of a landscape association, your first thought might be of professional contractors, heavy equipment, and business networking. But dig a little deeper and you’ll find that these associations are about more than just business—they’re about connection, education, and community.
Whether you’re a seasoned landscape professional, a weekend gardener, or a homeowner who simply wants a greener, healthier yard, organizations like the New Jersey Landscape Contractors Association (NJLCA) are building bridges between all levels of the green industry—and helping everyone grow.
Uniting Passion and Profession
The NJLCA is a place for landscape contractors, suppliers, designers, and horticulturists, but it’s also a valuable resource for homeowners and plant enthusiasts. At
The Native Plant Society of New Jersey
By Hubert Ling Horticulture Chair
The Willow That Isn’t
the flowers are mildly fragrant. The flowers are utilized by bees, butterflies, hummingbirds, moths, and a variety of other pollinators. The green to coppercolored fresh fruits and seeds are a food source for small birds.
The elongated leaves have a soft, leathery texture and a satin sheen. They are 2-4 inches long and have finely serrated edges. In fall, the leaves turn orange, purple, red, or yellow, and persist into winter when they are finally shed; in the southern states, Virginia sweetspire is an evergreen. The stems are of medium thickness; they are green below but reddish-purple on the sunny side. This longlasting woody shrub grows at a moderate rate and tends to accumulate dense branches; thus it is useful as cover for
birds and small mammals. Virginia sweetspire is predominately a south-eastern US native plant. It grows naturally in slightly acid soil along the edges of ponds and streams from southern NJ west to Illinois and south to Florida and Texas. Although the plant is generally found in damp soil, it will grow perfectly well in your garden with moderate moisture and full sun to moderate shade. It will also grow in pHs ranging from 6-8, in sandy, loam rich, or clay soil. However, it is best to water the plant during droughts, and the sweetspire will bloom better with six hours of sunlight or more and will also have better fall color. It is hardy down to -10 to -5°F, (zone 6a) and thus all of NJ.
Propagation can be done
by seed, which does not need pretreatment, or by hardwood cuttings. The plant tends to sucker so propagation can also be easily done by removing a well rooted sucker. Sweetspire is easy to maintain, but in damp areas you may have to control the suckers, or the plant may spread further than you would like. I have reasonably damp soil in my yard and the plant has not spread out over eight feet in 25 years. A little bit of trimming could have kept the plant to 5-6 feet wide. Deer and rabbits tend to avoid this plant and there are no serious insect or disease problems.
The straight species is a little hard to find, but Pinelands and Pinelands Direct Nurseries carry it. Many other garden centers will carry cultivars
The NJLCA Today
By Gail Woolcott Executive Director
How Landscape Associations Connect Professionals, Homeowners and Garden Enthusiasts
its core, the association is dedicated to advancing the landscape, hardscape and horticultural industry—but that mission includes:
• Promoting sustainable practices
• Advocating for environmental stewardship
• Educating the public on best practices in horticulture and design
These goals don’t just help industry pros—they’re great for anyone who loves healthy landscapes and beautiful outdoor spaces.
Why It Matters for Homeowners and Gardeners
If you’ve ever hired a landscaper, visited a local nursery, or tackled a DIY garden project, you’ve already experienced the work of people connected through a landscape association. By staying involved with the industry, you gain:
Access to Expert Knowledge –NJLCA offers seminars, publications,
and events that cover topics like native plants, soil health, integrated pest management, and landscape trends.
Trustworthy Professionals
– The association helps connect homeowners to reputable contractors and businesses that adhere to industry best practices.
Shared Values – Whether you're planting a pollinator garden or installing a patio, you care about the land—and so do the members of your local association.
One of NJLCA’s greatest strengths is its ability to unite diverse stakeholders. It brings together:
• Landscape contractors and designers
• Municipal workers and educators
• Nurseries, arborists, and equipment dealers
• Homeowners and gardening enthusiasts
Together, these groups are not only improving properties—they’re
such as ‘Henry’s Garnet’ which won the Royal Horticultural Award. Other popular cultivars include: ‘Little Henry’, ‘Beppu’, ‘Bailteaone’, and ‘Lovechild’. All the cultivars have white flowers, are smaller plants (about 3-4 feet tall), and have good fall color.
Virginia sweetspire is good as a specimen plant, in a butterfly garden, native garden, pollinator garden, raingarden, and as a hedge. In a mass planting it will produce spectacular early summer blooms. It is particularly useful in damp areas, around ponds, and the USDA says that growth from root suckering will provide moderate erosion control along streams.
Virginia sweetspire is called the problem solver since it grows just about anywhere. Just be sure to give it extra water when it is young; it will reward you with spectacular summer blooms and fall color.
Editor’s Note: Hubert Ling is Past President of The Native Plant Society of NJ and Horticulture Chair. He can be reached at milhubling@verizon.net.
Connect with professionals through the NJLCA’s “Find a Contractor” section on our website. Support your local nursery, greenhouse or garden center over a big box store.
At the end of the day, it’s not about titles—it’s about the shared love of landscapes and the passion to make our outdoor spaces better for everyone. Whether you’re planting in your backyard or managing a full crew on a jobsite, we’re all part of the same growing industry.
advocating for environmental responsibility, workforce development, and the future of green spaces in New Jersey.
How to Get Involved
Whether you’re a plant hobbyist or someone considering a career in landscaping, there’s a place for you in the larger landscape community. Here’s how you can take part:
Attend a trade show or community event like the NJ Contractors Showcase Expo on August 6th at the County College of Morris
Follow NJLCA on Facebook and Instagram for updates and tips, as well as to see the amazing work our members do.
Volunteer for local beautification or conservation projects, like our most recent service project completed with the help of member volunteers and donors at the Audrey Hepburn Children’s House in Hackensack in May.
I wish you all a lovely June and hope to see you at an event or on our social media in the near future! Happy landscaping and keep “Growing Every Day”.
Editor’s Note: Gail Woolcott is the Executive Director for the New Jersey Landscape Contractors Association. Gail was presented with a community service award from the Borough of Fairview, New Jersey for her assistance in leading the 9-11 Memorial Park project and the Legislative Champion of the Year award from the Federation of Employers and Workers of America. She can be reached at 201-703-3600 or by emailing gwoolcott@ njlca.org.
For the past couple months, we’ve been talking in this space about seasonal crops and their histories.
And as we enter June, one of the things we most look forward to in the agricultural world is the beginning of Jersey Fresh blueberry season. The season typically begins in earnest around June 15, although with weather fluctuations, that can move up sometimes as much as a week.
But if you want to talk about history, Jersey Fresh Blues certainly have a storied past. And it puts New Jersey front-andcenter in laying the groundwork for the national and international blueberry trade we see today.
Before the early 1900s, blueberries grew on small wild plants and were much smaller fruits. This was because growers had not yet figured out how to cultivate them to make them like the commercial highbush blueberry plants we see in the Garden State today.
How that transformation occurred is a familiar story to farmers. It’s a study in how one agriculturalist builds upon the work of another, tips and tricks are shared, and so on down the
NJ Dept. of Agriculture
By Joe Atchison III Assistant Secretary of Agriculture
We’ve Got the Blues and We’re Glad!
line, until we get to what we’re familiar with today.
In 1906, United States Department of Agriculture botanist Frederick Coville had been researching wild blueberry plants and how to improve their growth. He looked at reasons why wild blueberries thrived while the same plants placed in people’s home gardens tended to fail. While looking at soil composition, he determined that blueberry plants favored welldrained, acidic soils.
Elizabeth Coleman White was working on her family farm in Whitesbog, Pemberton Township, Burlington County, N.J., when she came across Coville’s report in 1910. She wrote to the USDA and offered to pay to have them carry out additional trials near her home,
in an area known as the Pine Barrens.
She noted that the wild berry plants flourished there and grew into taller bushes. She offered a “bounty” to local residents for the largest, healthiest plants that they could find. The “Pineys,” as the longtime residents of the area are known, located 100 heartylooking specimens and identified them to her. The best specimens were named after the people who brought them to her and included Rubel, Harding, and Hanes.
When Coville arrived and saw the samples, he took cuttings and grew new bushes from them and found them to be able to clone themselves time and time again. In that way, the plants and their berries would tend to be more uniform. Some of these samples were incredibly prolific, producing
Jersey Tastes. Jersey Tastes.
A Year-Round Celebration of the Garden State's Fruits and Vegetables
Strawberry Risotto
INGREDIENTS
FAMILY SIZE, SERVES 4 PORTION SIZE: 4 oz
12 oz. Strawberries, sliced
4 cups chicken broth
1 ¼ cups arborio rice
1 cup white wine
⅓ cup Greek yogurt
1 lemon, zest
1 small white onion, diced
1 tbsp. olive oil
1tbsp. butter
2 tsp. fresh thyme salt & pepper to taste
FUN FACT!
Unlike most fruits, strawberries wear their seeds on the outside—each berry has about 200 seeds. Romans believed strawberries had medicinal properties and even considered them a symbol of Venus, the goddess of love. There are over 600 varieties of strawberries, all with their own unique flavor, texture, and size.
1
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great numbers of berries. These bushes were the ones selected for breeding to generate the biggest and best harvests.
By 1916, Coville and White had created a new approach to blueberries in the United States. These “highbush” blueberries were larger, and they all looked and tasted the same, helping to spur consumer confidence and willingness to be repeat customers for this new cultivated product. In the time since, the growing area for berries spread through Burlington County into Atlantic County in the Hammonton area. Growers in Hammonton and the surrounding areas have adapted different varieties throughout the years to develop plants that were more tolerant of disease, pests, and weather variations. These new plants also
produced larger, more flavorful berries.
Hammonton was referred to as “The Blueberry Capital of the World” in the 1970s. While the area doesn’t quite grow the most berries anymore, the blues that come from the Hammonton area in the long morning shadow of Atlantic City are still a best bet.
The New Jersey blueberry season typically lasts about six weeks, from mid-June through July, so be sure to stock up and freeze berries as the end of the season arrives.
Whether you’re a whiz at turning them into pies, pancakes, muffins, or, as a “true New Jerseyan,” love eating them by the handful right out of the clamshell package (washed for proper food safety, of course) the State Fruit of New Jersey is a treat that makes summertime even that much sweeter.
Editor’s Note: Joe Atchison III is the New Jersey Assistant Secretary of Agriculture. Atchison is also the Director of the Division of Marketing and Development for the New Jersey Department of Agriculture. He can be reached at (609) 292-3976.
DIRECTIONS
Heat the olive oil and butter in a medium skillet. Stir in the onion and saute until softened, about 5 minutes.
Stir in rice and thyme, then cook for 1 minute. Add the wine and half the berries. Cook until the wine is almost evaporated. Gradually add ½ cup of chicken broth, stirring until it is fully incorporated. Repeat with the remaining broth, ½ cup at a time, cooking and stirring until the rice is al dente, about 30 minutes.
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Add the Greek yogurt and lemon zest towards the end, stirring vigorously until incorporated and the rice is creamy. Stir in the remaining strawberries. Season to taste with salt and pepper. Garnish with strawberries and serve.
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From the Director’s Desk Rutgers Outreach
Provided by Brian Schilling Director
The Dirt on Soil: Basics of Soil Management for Home Gardens and Landscapes
When it comes to growing healthy plants in our gardens and landscapes, soil is the foundation where it all begins. Whether you’re planting vegetables, turfgrass, or ornamentals, understanding soil’s properties and corresponding management needs can transform your growing experience.
Soil Texture: Know Your Soil
organic matter and handled with consistent care. Activities such as excessive tilling or working silt and clay soils when they are too wet can damage structure and lead to compaction. This is especially important in the silty and clayheavy soils of north and central New Jersey, which are prone to erosion and compaction from foot traffic or heavy equipment.
Organic Matter: The Soil Conditioner
Learn More & Register Online at:
LearnMore&RegisterOnlineat: go.rutgers.edu/nj-clean
Rutgers Cooperative Extension Phone Directory
Atlantic County
Phone: 609-625-0056
Bergen County Phone: 201-336-6780
Burlington County Phone: 609-265-5050
Camden County Phone: 856 216 7130
Cape May County Phone: 609-465-5115
Cumberland County Phone: 856-451-2800
Essex County Phone: 973-228-2210
Gloucester County Phone: 856-224-8040
Hudson County Phone: 201-915-1399
Hunterdon County Phone: 908-788-1339
Mercer County Phone: 609-989-6830
Middlesex County Phone: 732-398-5260
Monmouth County Phone: 732-431-7260
Morris County Phone: 973-285-8300
Ocean County Phone:732-349-1246
Passaic County Phone: 973-305-5740
Salem County Phone: 856-769-0090
Somerset County Phone: 908-526-6293
Sussex County Phone: 973-948-3040
Union County Phone: 908-654-9854
Warren County Phone: 908-475-6505
Soils are texturally classified based on the proportions of sand, silt, and clay they contain. Sand particles are the largest, while silt and clay are much smaller— even microscopic. These varying particle sizes influence how soil drains, holds nutrients, and resists erosion.
Each texture has advantages and challenges. Sandy soils drain quickly and warm up fast in spring, making them easy to work—but they often struggle to retain water and nutrients. On the other hand, soils predominately made up of silt and clay are naturally fertile and better at holding nutrients and water. However, clay soils can become sticky when wet and hard like cement when dry. Water movement through these soils is slower, and they generally take longer to warm up in early Spring, often delaying planting.
You can explore the natural texture of your local soils by using the USDA NRCS Web Soil Survey at https://websoilsurvey.nrcs.usda. gov/app/, which provides valuable mapping and soil profile data.
Soil Structure: More Than Just Texture
While texture describes the components of soil, structure refers to how those particles are arranged. In healthy soils, particles are grouped into aggregates— crumb-like clusters that allow air and water to move freely and provide space for roots and soil organisms to thrive.
Good soil structure forms naturally over time, particularly when soils are enriched with
Organic matter is a critical component of a healthy soil ecosystem. Though it typically makes up just 1–5% of soil volume, it plays an essential role in improving soil function across all textures. Organic matter binds particles into crumb-like aggregates that build good soil structure, enhancing moisture retention while promoting drainage in the root zone, as well as increasing nutrient availability and supporting beneficial soil microbial communities.
Organic matter can be added in the form of compost, green manures (cover crops), wellcomposted manure, and leaf compost. To add compost to a vegetable garden, apply two to four bushels of compost per 100 square feet annually, incorporating it into the top 6–8 inches of garden soil. For lawns, top-dress with a 3/8-inch layer of screened compost in spring or fall. Leave grass clippings on the lawn to naturally return nutrients and organic content to the soil surface. Lastly, organic matter can be used as a 2- to 3-inch-deep mulch around landscape plantings to retain moisture, moderate soil temperatures, and suppress weed growth.
Soil Testing: The Starting Point
We can’t manage what we don’t measure. Soil testing provides essential information about pH and nutrient levels, allowing for targeted application
of lime or fertilizer. Rutgers Soil Testing Laboratory kits cost $20 for pH and fertility testing. Soil testing kits are available through many local Rutgers Cooperative Extension offices (a listing may be found at https://njaes.rutgers. edu/county/ or you can visit the Rutgers Soil Testing Lab website https://njaes.rutgers.edu/ soil-testing-lab/ for purchasing, sampling and submission instructions. Results include tailored recommendations for pH adjustment and fertilization. Heavy silt and clay soils can be tested every three to five years, whereas sandy soils may need to be tested annually.
Routine soil testing ensures you’re applying the right materials in the right amounts. Overapplying fertilizers or lime can harm plants and the environment, so accurate data is crucial for making informed decisions. Testing saves both time and money in the long run, while also promoting environmentally sound practices.
Spring or Fall Soil Action Plan
1. Test Your Soil
2. Amend Based on Soil Test Recommendations
3. Incorporate Organic Matter Annually
4. Minimize Soil Disturbance
5. Apply 2–3 Inches of Organic Mulch to Retain Moisture
6. Promote Soil Structure to Prevent Erosion
Soil is more than just a medium for roots—it supports a dynamic ecosystem. By understanding how to assess and manage soil texture, structure, fertility, and pH, gardeners can lay the groundwork for long-term success with resilient and sustainable gardens and landscapes. To learn more about your garden soil and suitable management practices for your gardens, contact your local Rutgers Cooperative Extension office.
Editor’s Note: The article was written by Rebecca Magron, Horticultural Consultant and Research Associate, Rutgers Cooperative Extension of Hunterdon County.
LAND-GRANT UNIVERSITY NEWS
Rutgers Community Farmers Market to be Managed
by the Department of Family and Community Health Sciences
Announcement by SEBS Executive Dean Laura Lawson
We are proud of our longstanding commitment to supporting food security and strengthening community well-being. Central to this legacy are the farmers markets that have served our university students, faculty, and staff for well over a decade. These markets are more than just places to buy produce—they serve as vital hubs where access to fresh, nutritious food fosters healthier lives and where local farmers and growers find critical support for their businesses. Additionally, these markets enhance our students’ opportunities for hands-on, experiential learning in agriculture, nutrition, wellness, and more. Through our dedication to food equity, local sustainability, and community engagement, we continue to build and strengthen the bridge between farmers and the diverse communities they nourish.
With the farmers market season about to begin, I am pleased to announce that our school-affiliated farmers markets will be collectively operated by the Department of Family and Community Health Sciences under the umbrella of the Rutgers Community Farmers Market.
Building on the rich history and proven success of the New Brunswick Community Farmers Market and Cook’s Market at Rutgers Gardens, the newly integrated Rutgers Community Farmers Market will unify the strengths of both markets, ensuring streamlined operations and engagement across all locations. This evolution reflects our commitment to expanding food access, enhancing the customer and vendor experience, and sustaining a vibrant, resilient local food system for New Brunswick and the surrounding areas.
The farmers market is open Friday’s from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at 130 Log Cabin Road, New Brunswick NJ.
Thousands Flock to Cook Campus for Rutgers Day 2025
Thousands of visitors gathered on April 26 for Rutgers Day 2025 on Cook/Douglass Campus for free performances, exhibits, food, and educational demonstrations. Despite rain forcing much of the festivities indoors, the morning spared Ag Field Day, during which agriculturerelated programs featured a farm animal exhibition by veterinary science students, a dog show, contests, and many other activities. The Rutgers Farm Store was open for business, offering a prime selection of meats raised on campus for sale.
At the Rutgers Gardens Plant Sale, attendees carted many varieties of plants for their home gardens from the Floriculture Greenhouse, a new venue for this year’s event.
“The new venue has supported increased student involvement in growing the plants for the sale,” said Lauren Errickson, director, Rutgers Gardens and Campus Stewardship. “And with the timing of Rutgers Day during the spring semester, our students are also more active in selling the plants for a full “seed to market” opportunity.”
Although the rain forced the Rutgers Community Farmers Market indoors this year, visitors were delighted by a multitude of local farm products available for sale during Rutgers Day and learned about many things to look forward to in the coming season.
At Ag Field Day, the Society of Animal Science and the Department of Animal Sciences hosted farm animal demonstrations that were a major attraction for children and families who lined up to interact with piglets, goats, sheep and cows at the livestock show and a demonstration of the mounted patrol, where visitors met the patrol horses, Norman and Austin.
Inside the Cook/Douglass Recreation Center, academic departments, clubs and outside organizations tabled and hosted various activities. Brian McGonigle, manager of Alumni and Community Engagement, was holding a contest for people who look most like George H. Cook, famed 19th-century geologist and founder of Cook College.
At the recreation center, students at the Rutgers University Seeing Eye Puppy Raising Club, which raises puppies for The Seeing Eye Inc., a Morristown, N.J.-based national nonprofit group, were showing off some of their dogs-in-training.
Food Science Celebrates 70th Anniversary of its Undergraduate Program
Hundreds of Rutgers–New Brunswick students gathered on the George H. Cook Campus to enjoy free food, live music and prizes at an event celebrating the 70th anniversary of the Food Science undergraduate program at the School of Environmental ad Biological Sciences (SEBS).
Cheese mongers Max Lazary and Jake Heller hosted a table with a giant wheel of parmesan while sharing insightful information about cheese making. They run a cheese business in Philadelphia called Downtown Cheese.
“Being here helps to demystify the cheese making process for students. Whether they are a food science major or not, we’re showing these students in a hands-on and accessible way how intricate of a process it is to make cheese which encourages an appreciation for the people who work in our industry,” said Lazary.
In addition to snacks and catered side dishes, attendees were treated to culinary delights from three distinct food trucks. Green Dog-Mobile had lines that stretched down Lipman Drive as they served up seafood specialties. Co-owner and chef Marsha Arrington had students laughing with her creative spin on seafood sandwiches by explaining, “Our lobster is served on hotdog buns, because that’s how we roll.” She shared that this event is special to be a part of as a small business owner and native to Piscataway, NJ, because the Food Science Club and Cheese Club board members decided to support local businesses like hers.
Despite the cold temperatures and pouring rain, Rutgers students celebrated throughout the entire evening. Some won raffle prizes, others danced with cheese hats to the live band Heat Monger, while others took to the inflatable
bounce house to burn through energy from the food options offered.
President of the Cheese Club, Lia Vaynshteyn, shared, “Club meetings are great, but it’s events like these that bring people together as one Rutgers community. If anything, everyone enjoying themselves despite the weather really proves the point that whether rain or shine, people love cheese!”
President of the Food Science Club, Renee Procaccini, shared, “Food Science is such a small major, but this celebration makes me very appreciative that we make an impact in the world and at SEBS. I’m truly grateful for my E-Board for managing this event as a team.”
Held on April 11, the event was jointly coordinated by the Food Science Club and Rutgers Cheese Club.
Gardener News
In the Chef’s Corner
By Andy Lagana Chef
Grilled Butter Steak with Grilled Skewered Baby Red Potatoes
Greetings Gardener News readers. This month, I would like to share my Grilled Butter Steak recipe – a summer classic. While I’ve selected strip steak for this version, you can use various cuts like ribeye, T-bone, New York strip or even a porterhouse. Best to avoid tenderloin as it can easily overcook.
it into a log. Wrap tightly and freeze until firm for about 15 minutes.
Although the gas grill is my go-to, steak grilled on a charcoal grill generally tastes better and achieves a more pronounced sear due to its ability to generate higher temperatures and a smokier flavor. The reliable gas option does offer more consistent cooking and temperature control, perfect for quick and easy grilling.
Ingredients for the recipe are 1 cup fresh parsley leaves, 1/2 cup roughly chopped fresh chives, 2 garlic cloves, 6 tbsp. salted butter - at room temperature, 6 small strip steaks (8 to 10 oz. each), 4 tsp. kosher salt, black pepper - to taste, 1 5-oz. package baby spinach, 8 strips bacon - cut into 1/2-inch pieces, 10 oz. cremini mushrooms - quartered, 2 large shallots - thinly sliced, 3 tbsp. olive oil, 3 tbsp. red wine vinegar, 1 tbsp. Dijon mustard, and 1 tbsp. sugar. Combine the parsley, chives, and garlic in a food processor. Once finely chopped, scrape down the sides of the processor. Continue by adding butter, scraping a few times, until all ingredients are combined. Spoon the butter mixture onto a piece of plastic wrap or parchment, forming
In the meantime, preheat a grill or grill pan to medium high heat. Season the steaks with 1/4 teaspoon salt and a few grinds of pepper on each side. Grill the steaks until they release from the grill and a thermometer inserted into the thickest part registers 120˚ for medium rare, 5 to 6 minutes per side. Unwrap the garlic butter and slice it into 6 pieces. Remove the steaks from the grill and top each one with a piece of garlic butter. Let them rest and absorb the butter. Place the spinach in a large bowl. Cook the bacon in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat, stirring until crisp for about 7 minutes. Use a slotted spoon to transfer the bacon to the spinach, then set aside to let the spinach wilt slightly. Pour off all but 2 tablespoons of bacon fat from the skillet.
Add the mushrooms, remaining 1 teaspoon of salt and a few grinds of pepper to the skillet. Cook over medium-high heat and stir until the mushrooms soften, for about 3 to 4 minutes. Add the shallots and cook, stirring until both the mushrooms and shallots are caramelized, for about 7 to 8 minutes more. Add the olive oil, vinegar, mustard and sugar, and stir for 2 minutes while cooking until the sugar dissolves. Pour the contents of the skillet over the spinach and toss. Serve this with the steak.
As a side dish, we continue with the grill. For Grilled Skewered Baby Red Potatoes,
you’ll need 3 lb. baby red potatoes, salt, 1/4 cup salted butter, 1 clove garlicchopped, black pepper - to taste, 2 tbsp. grated parmesan cheese, and 2 tbsp. chopped fresh parsley or chives. Place the potatoes in a large pot or Dutch oven and cover 1 inch with cold water. Bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce to a simmer. Cook just until fork tender for 15 to 20 minutes. Drain and transfer to a plate to cool to room temperature. Preheat a grill to mediumhigh heat (400 to 450°). Soak 10- to 12-inch wooden skewers in water. Meanwhile, combine the butter and garlic in a microwave safe bowl. Cook this covered on high just until melted, for 30 to 60 seconds.
Place 3 to 4 potatoes on each skewer. Brush them all over with the butter mixture. Place the skewers over direct heat on the grill, and cook until golden and a little charred, for 6 to 8 minutes per side. Transfer to a serving platter. Brush with any remaining garlic butter, then sprinkle with parmesan cheese and fresh herbs. When choosing wine to pair with this meal, a fullbodied red like Cabernet Sauvignon or Zinfandel is a classic choice. These wines have bold flavors and tannins that complement the richness of the steak and the butter. Alternatively, a Malbec or a Rioja can also be a great selection, offering fruitforward notes and balanced flavors. You can’t go wrong with any of these picks. Enjoy!
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How does the old saying go?
“If a tree falls in the woods, and no one is there to hear it, how do we know if it makes any noise?” Well, the person who came up with that saying did not have the sample size that we have here in New Jersey, because we certainly know about dead trees. They are all over the place. Dead limbs in the air, dead trees in every hedgerow, dead limbs on the ground, and every windy day is a new adventure.
The latest culprits are the Ash trees. Or maybe I should say that the Emerald Ash Borer is the culprit, because that is what has caused the death of almost all of our Ash tree population here in the northeastern part of the country. The latest export from our friends in Asia has taken only a few short years to lay waste to one of our more populous species of hardwood trees in the state. Once vibrant forests have been reduced to nothing more than groupings of stick-figure silhouettes that collapse more and more with each passing weather event.
But this is not the first time this has happened here in North America. In the early 1900s, the
I am not certain if it is forgetfulness or simply a lack of patience, but I am always astonished by the number of times I have unsuccessfully tried to grow a plant and opted not to try it again until many years later. A case in point is Bowman’s Root, botanically known as Gillenia trifoliata
I remember exactly where I planted it in 1987, and with less than robust results, I did not attempt to grow it again until 35 years later! Every gardener knows the importance of giving plants a second chance, especially with a plant as attractive as this multiseason beauty.
Gillenia is a member of the Rose Family or Rosaceae and consists of only two species, both native to Eastern North America. Gillenia trifoliata was originally named Spirea trifoliata in 1753 by the Swedish botanist Carl Linnaeus (1707-1778). It was properly renamed Gillenia trifoliata in 1802 by the German botanist Conrad Moench (1744-1805), with the name honoring the German botanist Arnold Gill (1586-1633). Unfortunately, the genus name was still not completely resolved. Believing the genus was improperly named, the American botanist
The Town Farmer
By Peter Melick Agricultural Producer
Dead Trees
American Chestnut dominated the forests here in the northeast. Unfortunately, chestnut blight, which was introduced to the United States from Japan, effectively wiped out the American Chestnut. And then during the 1970s and 1980s, Dutch Elm disease wiped out most of our Elm trees. And while the Elm tree was not as important a species to the forestry industry as the Chestnut was, it was still a mainstay as a shade tree in many urban and suburban communities where its loss left a large void.
Recently, I was asked to read a proclamation in honor of Arbor Day to a group of elementary school students. This proclamation lauded the benefits of trees to the
community and the environment and stressed the importance of planting and caring for trees. But one item that was not included in that proclamation was the importance of the timely removal of dead trees.
We have all seen what can happen when dead limbs break off and fall to the ground or when entire trees fall over.
But now, unfortunately, these events seem to be happening with much more frequency and are causing some lifethreatening situations. Needless to say, I took the opportunity to editorialize a little bit, and we did discuss the importance of removing dead trees!
Every dead tree or limb that falls on a power line has the potential to knock out power
to the residents and businesses that are in that vicinity. And, as anyone who looks up knows, there are a lot of dead limbs and trees that are hanging over power lines. Unfortunately, the utility companies have not been able to keep up with this problem and New Jersey residents have been facing an increasing number of power outages lately. I know that in many areas, the electric service is so unpredictable that many people have had to install emergency generators. It seems as if we are slowly but surely turning into a third world country, at least in terms of our electrical supply.
And the dry weather we experienced earlier this Spring and last Fall greatly exacerbated the problem of
Morris County Park Commission
By Bruce Crawford Horticultural Manager
Beauty is Worth a Second Attempt
Nathaniel Lord Britton (1859-1934) proposed altering the genus from Gillenia to Porteranthus in 1894. Britton was certainly a horticultural heavyweight – co-founding the New York Botanic Garden in 1891 and ultimately naming over 1,200 species! Porteranthus honors the American botanist and theologian Thomas Conrad Porter (18221901). Ultimately, Gillenia was accepted as valid, but confusion remains to this day with the plant often sold under the name of Porteranthus! The species name of ‘trifoliata’ describes how the compound leaves are often found in clusters of three.
One of the beautiful qualities Gillenia brings to the garden is airiness, with its slender red stems magically supporting foliage and flowers. Although the plants are herbaceous, they are technically
considered to be subshrubs, with the semi-woody lower stems persisting year-round. Consistent with its shrub-like nature, the plants take several years to mature, which may be a detriment for gardeners who expect herbaceous plants to mature within two seasons. At maturity, the plants measure 2-4’ tall by 2-3’ wide and although large in size, the long 4-8” internodal spacing between the leaves renders that airy, transparent quality that makes the plant so unique. The light green lanceolate foliage varies from 1-4” long by up to 1” wide and plays beautifully against the deep red stems.
The star-like flowers are borne on very open corymbs and consist of five slender white petals measuring 1” in diameter. When in bud, they are twisted together and resemble the beak of a bird.
downed electrical lines. Now, not only were residents just inconvenienced by power outages, but they increasingly had to deal with brush and forest fires that were started by these downed wires. In many instances, these downed power lines stay energized and create a very dangerous environment for both residents and the first responders who are trying to deal with the situation. And because these events are so numerous, it often takes the utility companies quite a long time to arrive at and fix these problems. Here’s to sunny days, wet grass and light winds!
Editor’s Note: Peter Melick is co-owner of Melick’s Town Farm in Oldwick and a 10th-generation New Jersey farmer. Peter is Mayor of Tewksbury Township, Hunterdon County, NJ. He also served as a director for the New Jersey Farm Bureau and is a past president of the New Jersey State Board of Agriculture. Peter has also been featured on NJN, News 12 New Jersey and on the Fox Business Network.
local Virginia flora, but it remains uncertain as to whether he actually prescribed the root!
The outer surface of the petals also bears an attractive red blush, nicely complementing the deep red ovary and calyx at the flower’s base. Once open, the clean white flowers with their yellow central ‘eye’ allows them to ‘pop-out’ against the darker foliage. Flowers are produced from mid-May into July in New Jersey, and come fall are followed with deep red and orange fall color.
For those living with deer, the plant has proven to be deer resistant due to the plant’s cathartic and emetic properties. The root was long used by Native Americans for its medicinal properties, earning it the common name of Indian Physic. The name of Bowman’s Root comes from the 18th century Virginian botanist and physician Dr. John Bowman. The name honors his study of the
Gillenia trifoliata is hardy in zones 4-8 and appreciates welldrained, humus rich soils. In the wild they are often found on rocky hillsides and in light shade, where the pH ranges from near neutral to acidic. Plants tolerate full sun, although some protection from the hot, midafternoon sun is appreciated, which was my undoing during my first attempt to grow this plant.
It’s easy to forget a plant when its performance initially proves to be lukewarm. Bowman’s Root provides the Garden with a magical and hard-to-find airiness that should not be overlooked. Combined with producing abundant color throughout the season, it proves beauty is most definitely worth a second attempt!
Editor’s Note: Bruce Crawford is a lover of plants since birth, is the Manager of Horticulture for the Morris County Parks Commission, and a Past President of the Garden State Gardens Consortium. He can be reached at BCrawford@ morrisparks.net
Family Celebrates 40 Years of Growing in the Garden State
Hionis Greenhouses was founded in 1985 by Spiros (Dad) and Angeliki (Mom) Hionis. They started out as a one acre greenhouse in Bridgewater, New Jersey. Spiros and Angie started out growing poinsettias, spring bulbs, flowering plants, and outdoor mums. With this one acre greenhouse, they raised four sons who they kept involved in the operations. In 1997, they moved out of Bridgewater and built their current growing and retail
location in Whitehouse Station, Hunterdon County, NJ. During this transition, both Spiros and Angie passed the day-to-day operations to their sons, Pete, Tim, Spiros, and Gerry.
The sons are constantly embracing the newest technology by transforming how they grow, nurture, and understand plants. Every day they strive to ensure efficient and sustainable growth, and superb
agricultural efficiency.
At Hionis Greenhouses, a Jersey Grown facility, you’ll discover an immense selection of awesome colorful annuals, gorgeous hanging baskets, designer container gardens, exciting new perennials, and ornamental grasses and shrubs.
Jersey Grown is New Jersey’s brand for locally grown plants, trees, shrubs and flowers, and certifies that the item was grown in New Jersey, so
it is accustomed to the state’s soil and growing conditions, checked for quality, and is disease and pest free. According to the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), the Garden State’s largest agricultural sector is the nursey/greenhouse/sod industry, with more than $725 million in sales annually. New Jersey ranks No. 4 in the country in floriculture (flowers) sales and No. 7 in the country in overall horticulture sales.
Tewksbury Historical Society Features Six Gardens at Its Biennial Garden Tour
The Tewksbury Historical Society will sponsor its Biennial Garden Tour on Saturday, June 21, 10 AM - 3 PM, in Tewksbury Township, rain or shine. Six gardens located throughout the township will welcome visitors.
The Tour Gardens offer a variety of themes and executions. A hillside property, sloped and wooded, was a gardening challenge. The resulting terraced property is a series of gardens, each dedicated to a different specialty. A Victorian House in the historic district of Oldwick provides the setting for a pollinator garden filled with
colorful attractions for birds and butterflies. An eclectic garden and cottage setting provided the basis for a “perfectly imperfect” oasis. A garden that functions as part of an ecosystem aimed at providing diverse foods and habitat for people and animals is a star attraction of the Tour. A property that began as a dairy farm has been transformed into a sanctuary of whimsical contentment, complete with English and Meadow gardens. An overgrown and neglected garden has been nurtured and coaxed into a place of glory by a gardener guided by a love of beauty.
Advance tickets are $40 until June 19th, 8 PM, and $50 on the day of the Tour. Tickets are limited and can be purchased on-line thru PayPal with any major credit card at www.tewksburyhistory. net. Click on the Garden Tour page. All tickets, including those purchased in advance, and locator maps are to be picked up the day of the Tour from 9:30 AM-1 PM at Tewksbury Historical Society Headquarters, 60 Water St., Lebanon (Mountainville) 08833. For inquiries contact the Society at tewksburynjhistory@gmail. com. Follow us on Facebook and Instagram.
Tom Castronovo/Photo
Brothers Pete, Tim, Spiros, and Gerry Hionis in front of one of their many delivery trucks.
Compliance Advisory
NEW JERSEY DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION #2025-05 Issued: 05/06/2025
Current Neonicotinoid Use Status in 2025
(for Lawncare, Landscaping, Tree Care and Golf Courses)
(Amended 05/15/2025)
WHO IS AFFECTED BY THIS ADVISORY?
Commercial pesticide applicators and businesses involved in outdoor non-agricultural use of pesticides, including in the lawn and landscape, tree care, and golf course industries. Pursuant to P.L. 2021, c.386, found at N.J.S.A. 13:1F-4.2 et seq., pesticides in the class known as neonicotinoids must not be used outdoors for non-agricultural uses unless the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (NJDEP) issues an Administrative Order allowing certain uses in the event of an “environmental emergency”. At this time, the NJDEP has not issued an Administrative Order allowing the emergency use of neonicotinoid pesticides. Accordingly, commercial pesticide applicators must not use neonicotinoids outdoors for non-agricultural purposes.
NOTE: Neonicotinoid use for indoor pest control, pet care, structural perimeter applications by a licensed pesticide applicator and other exemptions listed in the law remain valid. For a complete list of these exemptions, see the link to the law on page 2 of this Advisory, and review section N.J.S.A. 13:1F-4.4 d.
The restrictions on neonicotinoid use do not apply to direct actions taken by certified and licensed pesticide applicators of NJDEP or the New Jersey Department of Agriculture (NJDA), or their agents, to apply neonicotinoids for invasive pests. One example of “agents” allowed to apply neonicotinoids for invasive pests would be certified and licensed applicators hired under the NJDA grant program with counties and municipalities for control of Spotted Lanternfly.
WHY IS NJDEP ISSUING THIS ADVISORY?
A number of pests were under consideration as potential environmental emergencies under the law. However, after careful consideration, the NJDEP has determined that no current pest threats warrant “environmental emergency” status at this time. Thus, neonicotinoid pesticides cannot be used outdoors for non-
agricultural purposes in the lawncare, landscape, tree care and golf course industries.
Should a future pest threat warrant emergency status, the NJDEP may issue an Administrative Order that sets conditions for the use of a neonicotinoid(s) pesticide for that particular pest.
WHAT SHOULD I DO?
Make sure that you do not use any pesticide outdoors that belongs to the neonicotinoid class of pesticides, absent an Administrative Order from NJDEP allowing such use. Under the law, neonicotinoid pesticides currently include pesticides with the following chemical ingredients: acetamiprid, clothianidin, dinotefuran, flonicamid, imidacloprid, nitenpyram, nithiazine, thiacloprid, and thiamethoxam. This list may be supplemented with new or emerging chemicals that may be classified as neonicotinoids as determined by EPA or NJDEP.
Members of the industry should:
1. Check the labels of the pesticide products you plan to use outdoors to make sure they do not contain any of the active ingredients listed above.
2. Periodically check the NJDEP web site for any updates on pest threats that may warrant environmental emergency status: NJDEP-Compliance and Enforcement - Bureau of Pesticide Compliance (www.nj.gov/dep/enforcement/pcp/pcp-bpc.htm)
3. If you need guidance for the selection of alternative pesticides for a pest problem, contact Rutgers Cooperative Extension in your County.
To view the Department’s compliance advisories, visit: https://www.nj.gov/dep/enforcement/advisories.html
GardenerNews.com
City dwellers often have small courtyards or backyards. Even though there may be size constraints, these spaces can be turned into an urban jungle for most of the growing season. Today, gardeners have many great plant choices available at local garden centers, nurseries, and plant sales. There is a myriad of types of plants to choose from to create a little tropical paradise, including bold tropicals such as bananas, cannas, and elephant ears. There are endless choices of medium-sized plants and even smaller edging and spilling plants.
There are many design elements to consider, including where the plants will be planted. Some gardens might have the option to plant some of the plants in existing garden beds as embellishments to permanent planting of trees, shrubs, and perennials. Other spaces might rely on the use of containers filled with tropical and flowering plants. Or the space might be a combination of the aforementioned.
When adding containers, pick containers that you like. The aesthetic choices should be driven by the homeowner. The size of the container is important. It should be big enough to allow plants to grow and flourish over the course of the summer. Also, the pot
Pennsylvania Horticultural Society
By Andrew Bunting Vice President of Horticulture
Tropical Garden for City Dwellers
should be in visual scale with the plant, and the pot should be heavy enough so that the plant is not top-heavy.
There are many excellent plants to consider when creating an “urban jungle.” Many banana plants grow exponentially with heat and humidity and ample watering and fertilizing. The red Abyssinian banana, Ensete ventricosum ‘Maurellii’ can be planted in May as a two foot tall plant, and by the end of the summer might be over ten feet tall. It is characterized by a “trunk” and large, bold, linear leaves that have burgundy undersides with red veins. Other bananas to consider are Musa ‘Thai Black’ and Musa basjoo, which in warm regions can be hardy in the garden. Many garden centers and even box stores have many selections of palms to consider. Palms can have large leaves but often bring a finer texture to the garden with their dissected leaves. Like bananas, cannas
can also grow very quickly. Some cannas are grown for their attractive foliage, like Canna ‘Pretoria’ with yellow and green striping, or Canna Tropicanna™ with striations on burgundy and pink . Canna musaefolia, as the epithet would imply, has “Musa-like” or banana like foliage and can grow from a rhizome planted in May to over twelve feet tall by the end of the summer. Many other cannas are grown for both their bold foliage and vibrant summer flowers, such as ‘Wyoming’ which has purple foliage and orange flowers. ‘Australia’ has shiny black-purple leaves and vibrant red flowers. The Cannova® canna series are small in stature but have many flower colors to select from, including yellow, orange, pink, rose, etc. Elephant ears, Colocasia, Alocasia and Xanthosoma should all be considered in the tropical garden. All of the elephant ears have leaves that
resemble an elephant’s ear. Some are massive in stature, like Colocasia ‘Thai Giant’ which can reach over twelve feet tall. Others provide a bold accent but are more mediumsized, like Colocasia ‘Illustris’ with black leaves and green veins. ‘Lime Zinger’ and ‘Maui Gold’ have bold leaves that are entirely yellow or chartreuse. ‘Black Magic’ and ‘Coal Miner’ have nearly black foliage. ‘Mojito’ is green with black splotches, and ‘Pharaoh’s Mask’ looks as if the leaf has been turned inside out with large black veins on the surface of the leaf.
Finally, growing at the base of the large and bolder tropical plants, or even planted in their own pots, can be smaller edging and spilling plants. This can be as simple as using different ivies for this effect, but there are many other impactful spilling plants, like the silver leaves of Dichondra ‘Silver Falls’ or the vibrant pink, green, and white
National Hemp Report
All industrial hemp: In 2024, the value of hemp production in the open and under protection for the United States totaled $445 million, up 40 percent from 2023.
Industrial hemp in the open: Planted area for the Nation in 2024 for all utilizations totaled 45,294 acres, up 64 percent from 2023. The value of hemp production in the open for the United States totaled $417 million, up 46 percent from last year. Area harvested for all purposes in the open totaled 32,694 acres, up 55 percent from 2023.
Floral hemp in the open: United States floral hemp production grown in the open for 2024 was estimated at 20.8 million pounds, up 159 percent from 2023. Area harvested for floral hemp in the open in the United States was estimated at 11,827 acres, up 60 percent from last season. The average yield for 2024 floral hemp in the open was estimated at 1,757 pounds per acre, up 669 pounds from last year. The value of floral hemp grown in the open totaled $386 million, up 43 percent from 2023.
Grain hemp in the open: National production of hemp grown in the open for grain in 2024 totaled 3.41 million pounds, up 10 percent from 2023. Area harvested for hemp grown in the open for grain in
the United States was estimated at 4,863 acres, up 22 percent from last season. The average yield for 2024 hemp grown in the open for grain was estimated at 702 pounds per acre, down 77 pounds from last year. The value of hemp grown in the open for grain totaled $2.62 million, up 13 percent from 2023.
Fiber hemp in the open: In 2024, production of hemp grown in the open for fiber was estimated at 60.4 million pounds, up 23 percent from 2023. Area harvested for hemp grown in the open for fiber in the United States was estimated at 18,855 acres, up 56 percent from last season. The average yield for 2024 hemp grown in the open for fiber was estimated at 3,205 pounds per acre, down 848 pounds from last year. The value of hemp grown in the open for fiber totaled $11.2 million, down 3 percent from 2023.
Seed hemp in the open: Production of hemp grown in the open for seed in 2024 was estimated at 697,000 pounds, down 7 percent from 2023. Area harvested for hemp grown in the open for seed in the United States was estimated at 2,160 acres, up 61 percent from last season. The average yield for 2024 hemp grown in the open for seed was estimated at 323 pounds per acre, down 236 pounds from last year. The value of hemp grown in the open for seed
variegation on Tradescantia ‘Nanouk’. One of the best filling plants is Coleus (syn. Solenostemon). Grown for their interesting leaves, there are literally hundreds of selections to choose from, with yellow, red, burgundy, or complex variegated leaves.
Editor’s Note: Andrew Bunting is Vice President of Horticulture for the Pennsylvania Horticultural Society. He is one of the most recognized horticulturists in the Philadelphia, Pa., region and a highly regarded colleague in the world of professional horticulture. Bunting has amassed a plethora of awards, including the American Public Gardens Association Professional Citation, Chanticleer Scholarship in Professional Development, Delaware Center for Horticulture’s Marion Marsh Award, and the Certificate of Merit from the Pennsylvania Horticultural Society. In addition, Bunting has lectured extensively throughout North America and Europe, and participated in plant expeditions throughout Asia and Africa. Learn more at https://phsonline.org/team/ andrew-bunting
totaled $16.9 million, up 482 percent from 2023.
Hemp under protection: In 2024, hemp growers used 3.52 million square feet under protection for production, up 9 percent from 2023. The 2024 value of hemp production under protection in the United States totaled $28.7 million, down 13 percent from last year.
Hemp clones and transplants grown under protection in the Nation for 2024 totaled 356,000 plants, down 62 percent from 2023. The value of hemp clones and transplants grown under protection totaled $446,000, down 49 percent from last year. United States production of floral hemp grown under protection was estimated at 49,420 pounds, down 35 percent from 2023. The value of floral hemp grown under protection totaled $18.0 million, down 30 percent from last year. Hemp grown under protection for seed totaled 2,364 pounds, up 91 percent from 2023. The value of hemp grown under protection for seed totaled $10.3 million, up 64 percent from last year.
Source: National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS), Agricultural Statistics Board, United States Department of Agriculture (USDA).
NORTHEASTERN ASSOCIATION OF STATE
The Northeastern Association of State Departments of Agriculture convenes the following 10 states: Connecticut, Delaware, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, and Vermont.
NEW YORK DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE
Agricultural Environmental Management Programs
Providing Significant Funding to On-Farm Projects that Combat Climate Change, Protect Soil, Water Quality
Since 2020, New York has dedicated nearly $125 million to on-farm projects that conserve natural resources, combat climate change, and protect soil and water quality. The projects have been awarded to more than 6,500 farms in every corner of New York through the Department of Agriculture and Markets’ Climate Resilient Farming Grant Program, Agricultural NonPoint Source Abatement and Control (Ag NonPoint) program, and Agricultural Environmental Management (AEM) program. Together, through the implementation of the best practices that these projects support, they have reduced 661,633 metric tons of carbon dioxide emissions, equivalent to removing more than 154,000 cars off the road for one year.
“New York State has long been a trailblazer in combating climate change, and we continue to lead the nation in environmental protection,” Governor Hochul said. “Protecting our state’s farms and ensuring our farmers have the resources they need to mitigate the effects of climate change is critical to not only protecting our environment, but also maintaining the economic viability of the state’s agricultural industry for generations to come. This milestone is a terrific testament to the progress we’ve made to create a cleaner, greener, more resilient New York.”
New York State Agriculture Commissioner Richard A. Ball said, “New York State continues to lead the nation in the work that we as a state are doing to protect our natural resources and combat climate change. Agriculture is proud to be at the table in these discussions and implementing critical best management practices on the farm that are helping to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, capture and sequester carbon, and protect our soil and water quality. It is amazing all that can be accomplished when we work together, and under the leadership of our governor and in partnership with our SWCD, our farmers have made tangible progress in our fight against climate change.
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VERMONT DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE
Vermont Achieves USDA “Unaffected” Status in Bird Flu Testing Program
Vermont dairy farmers have achieved a critical benchmark from the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA). This winter, the Vermont Agency of Agriculture Food and Markets (VAAFM) began a new USDA mandated milk sampling program. The USDA goal was to proactively identify unknown highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) infected dairy cattle. VAAFM’s additional goal was to test all Vermont Grade A milk directly from each supplying Vermont dairy farm. As of today, the testing had great news for farmers and consumers. The testing has NOT revealed any HPAI infected dairy cattle.
These encouraging results have led to a declaration by the USDA that Vermont is “unaffected” by HPAI in dairy cattle. With this declaration comes confidence that Vermont’s dairy cattle herds are healthy and producing HPAI free milk for the marketplace. Vermont is the first state in New England to achieve this status.
“This is an important moment for Vermont and our dairy industry,” said Anson Tebbetts, Vermont Secretary of Agriculture. “Thank you to our dairy farmers for stepping up and participating. This achievement means that, as always, you can depend on Vermont milk to be nutritious and safe.”
The Vermont Agency of Agriculture has worked closely with dairy farmers across the state to visit each farm in support of this program, totaling 411 farms. Federal resources are covering the cost of the testing program. Farms did not bear any costs of the sampling program.
The USDA milk testing program seeks to identify any currently unknown pockets of the dairy cattle HPAI strain to help eradicate it in the United States, protect animal and human health, and safeguard the food supply from disruptions. Importantly, eliminating this version of the HPAI virus would prevent it from mutating into a strain that could threaten human health.
Another Vermont innovation that has come out of the sampling program is a first-in-the-nation weekly sampling system for raw milk cheese makers. The program samples source farm milk to ensure the milk they utilize to make their award-winning cheeses is HPAI free. This program was created in collaboration with the Vermont Agency of Agriculture. 100% of Vermont’s raw milk cheese makers voluntarily participating.
“This sampling program is a first of its kind system built by a team of Vermonters who wanted to bring peace of mind and protection to our dairy farmers, food processors and cheese makers” said E.B. Flory, VAAFM Dairy Section Chief and Director of Food Safety. “Our dairy cattle are healthy and producing the highest quality milk for market. I want to thank our hardworking team for all the sacrifices they have made and thank our Vermont dairy farmers for working with our team to make this important declaration possible.”
While today’s declaration of an ‘unaffected’ dairy industry is welcome in Vermont, the state has experienced isolated incidents of the avian, or bird flu strain of HPAI, including as recently as December 2024. VAAFM wants to help Vermont dairy farms to remain HPAI free and the continued sampling and testing of milk for HPAI in our state will help ensure that any infections are known and properly addressed.
DEPARTMENTS OF AGRICULTURE NEWS
NEW JERSEY DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE
Nutrient Management Assistance Grant Program
The New Jersey Department of Agriculture has announced a funding opportunity to support manure spreader purchase and maintenance, and to establish a community use program for a manure spreader. This grant aims to advance nutrient management Best Management Practices (BMPs) across New Jersey farms by enabling the shared use of properly maintained equipment.
The available funding can be up to $25,000 for a funding period of three years, and the application deadline is June 16, 2025. Eligible applicants are New Jersey-based individuals, agricultural cooperatives, not-for-profit organizations, and government agencies. Applicants should demonstrate a strong working relationship with local agricultural producers and must be committed to supporting nutrient management in their communities.
The program highlights include the ability to purchase and maintain a manure spreader, establishing a community use program for the manure spreader with a minimum of five farms, supporting the implementation of Animal Waste Management Plans (AWMPs) with Nutrient Management Plans or nutrient budgets where the manure spreader will be used, and implementing all funded activities over a three-year period.
Learn more at https://www.nj.gov/agriculture/grants/njdanutrient managementgrants.html.
PENNSYLVANIA DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE
Pennsylvania Invests Nearly $12 Million to Ensure That 29 Farms, 3,187
Prime
Farmland Acres in 17 Counties Stay Farms Forever
Pennsylvania is investing nearly $12 million to purchase development rights for 3,187 acres on 29 farms in 17 counties, protecting them from future residential or commercial development. These joint investments by state and local government ensure that Pennsylvania farmers will have the prime-quality land they need to continue feeding our families and supporting jobs and communities in the future. Since the Shapiro Administration began, Pennsylvania has preserved 380 new farms and 32,505 prime acres of farmland across the state.
“Pennsylvania has some of the most productive farmland in the nation,” Agriculture Secretary Russell Redding said. “When that land is lost to development, we lose one of our most valuable economic assets. The Shapiro Administration continues to stand up for Pennsylvania’s farmers by supporting the contributions they have made to seal our reputation as a national leader, and by investing to protect and improve the resources they need tomorrow, and the innovations that will keep PA on top.”
In 2023 and 2024, Pennsylvania preserved 332 new farms and 27,481 prime acres of farmland across the state, investing more than $96.6 million. Pennsylvania continues to lead the nation in preserved farmland. Since 1988, when voters overwhelmingly supported creating the state’s Farmland Preservation Program, Pennsylvania has protected 6,530 farms and 652,085 acres in 58 counties from future development, investing nearly $1.76 billion in state, county, and local funds.
CONNECTICUT DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE
Connecticut Residents Urged to Surrender or Dispose of Unsolicited Packages of Seeds
The Connecticut Agricultural Experiment Station (CAES) and the Connecticut Department of Agriculture (CT DoAg), are urging residents to remain vigilant following reports of unsolicited seed packages arriving by mail. It is important to follow guidance from U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) to report and safely handle these suspicious seed shipments, which may pose environmental and agricultural risks.
If a Connecticut resident has received unsolicited seeds, please dispose of the material following the guidance below:
USDA Preferred Option: Surrender Seed Packages for Destruction
Surrender the seeds and packaging to the USDA Plant Protection and Quarantine office at USDA APHIS PPQ, 97 Barnes Road Unit 200, Wallingford, CT 06492. The seeds can also be dropped off at this address.
• Place the unopened seed packet and any packaging, including the mailing label in a mailing envelope. If the seed packets are open, first place the seeds and their packaging into a zip-lock bag, seal it, and then place everything into a mailing envelope.
• Please include your name, address, and phone number so that a State or Federal agriculture official can contact you for additional information, if needed.
• If you received other unsolicited items in addition to seeds, please only send the seeds.
Other USDA Approved Option: Disposal Option for Seed Packages
• Do not open the seed packet.
• Completely wrap and enclose the packet with duct tape.
• Place the wrapped seed packet in a zip-lock bag, squeeze out any air, and seal.
• Place inside another zip-lock bag, squeeze out any air, and seal.
• Fold over to reduce size and completely cover the folded bag with duct tape. This will help prevent the bag from bursting and will keep water and sun from reaching the seeds.
• Discard in trash.
If you are unable to surrender the seed or have already planted the seed, please email The Connecticut Agricultural Experiment Station (caes.stateentomologist@ct.gov) for further instruction and provide the following information: Name, Address, Phone number, e-mail address. Seeds can pose a significant risk for U.S. agriculture and natural resources because they can carry diseases or insects that may harm crops. Imported vegetable or agricultural seed must meet labeling and phytosanitary requirements and be inspected by USDA and customs at the port of entry. The USDA is committed to preventing the unlawful entry of prohibited seeds and protecting U.S. agriculture from disease, invasive pests, and noxious weeds. Additional information is available at www.aphis.usda.gov.
USDA Serves Up Food Safety Guidelines for Your Summer Cookout
Cook to Safe Temperatures:
• Remember that color is not a reliable indicator of doneness.
• Use a food thermometer to ensure foods reach a safe minimum internal temperature:
• Beef, pork, lamb, and veal steaks, chops and roasts: 145 F
• Seafood (fish and shellfish): 145 F
• Ground beef, pork, lamb and veal: 160 F
• Poultry (whole and ground): 165 F
Avoid the Danger Zone:
• The bacteria that can cause foodborne illness grows between 40 F and 140 F — also known as the Danger Zone.
• If you plan to keep perishable foods on the table for more than two hours (or one hour in temperatures above 90 F), keep hot foods hot and cold foods cold to avoid the Danger Zone.
• Keep hot foods heated at or above 140 F with chafing dishes or preheated grill.
• Keep cold foods chilled at or below 40 F by placing them on bowls of ice or keeping them inside a cooler near the picnic table.
Editor’s note: For more information about food safety, call the USDA Meat and Poultry Hotline at 1-888-MPHotline (1-888-674-6854) or email MPHotline@usda.gov.
Happy Father’s Day!
U.S. Secretary Rollins Announces New Agricultural Marketing Service Administrator
U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins announced the appointment of Erin Morris as the next Administrator of the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS), which operates under the Department’s Marketing and Regulatory Programs mission area.
“My fellow Fightin’ Texas Aggie Erin Morris brings a strong track record of leadership, technical knowledge, and dedication to the agricultural community,” said Secretary Rollins. “She has spent over 25 years advancing the work of AMS and has earned the trust of her peers and stakeholders across the industry. I’m confident that under her leadership, AMS will continue to deliver for farmers, ranchers, and American consumers. We are deeply grateful to Bruce Summers for his four decades of tireless service to American agriculture. His leadership has shaped AMS into a cornerstone
of USDA’s mission, and his legacy will have a lasting impact on farmers, ranchers, and consumers for years to come.”
Morris will succeed Bruce Summers, who retired in May, following a 40-year career at USDA. AMS supports the fair, efficient, and transparent marketing of U.S. agricultural products across domestic and international markets. AMS delivers a wide range of services including quality grading, auditing, and laboratory testing that help producers demonstrate the value and integrity of their goods. The agency also operates the USDA Market News Service, providing objective pricing and market data to inform business decisions throughout the supply chain. AMS also enforces fair trade practices through oversight of the livestock, produce, and organic sectors, and administers the Packers and Stockyards Act and National Organic Program.
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