TRENTON, N.J. — According to the National Agricultural Statistics Service in New Jersey, there were 6.0 days suitable for fieldwork for the week ending Sunday, November 24, 2019. Topsoil moisture supplies were 0 percent very short, 4 percent short, 94 percent adequate, and 2 percent surplus. Subsoil moisture supplies were 0 percent very short, 3 percent short, 96 percent adequate, and 1 percent surplus. Pasture and range conditions ranged from 0 percent very poor, 4 percent poor, 33 percent fair, 63 percent good, and 0 percent excellent.
Reporters Comments, By County
Reporters are from Extension Service (Ext), Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS), Farm Service Agency (FSA), Conservation District (CD), farmers, commodity specialists, or other knowledgeable individuals.
Cumberland, Dr. Wesley Kline – Some cover crop is still being planted even if it is late. Following crops are being harvested: leeks, carrots, cilantro, kale and spinach.
Mercer, Bruce Eklund, New Jersey State Statistician – Per the State Board of Agriculture: Hard freeze killed most greens. Still some collards to harvest. Sweet potato sales will be up until after the holiday. In general, poor vegetable and fruit sales and prices, with higher input costs and a jump in the minimum wage causing some pessimism for growers. Pumpkin yields across New Jersey were higher than the previous two years. Nurseries were busy and
optimism projects into 2020. Agritourism busy season waned but Christmas tree sales starts soon. Fall lambing gong well.
Monmouth County, Bill Sciarappa – Agronomic harvest hindered by moist soils/rain.
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–USDA, NASS