Peter can add posts here in a chronological order. We can make it so ONLY logged in members can see it.
The NJ Fish & Game Council recently heard presentations on both the 2023-24 deer harvest and a proposal for updates and simplification of the 2025 Game Code.
The first consideration of a bill (S2422/A3521) to establish an occupational heat stress standard was heard in the Senate Labor Committee on Monday this week. The Senate bill is sponsored by Sen. Joe Cryan (D-Union). The first group called to testify was NJ Farm Bureau, where newly appointed legislative coordinator Ashley Kerr with President Allen Carter in attendance announced NJFB’s opposition to the bill for its sheer impracticality, costs and industrial workplace-oriented standards that does not fit ag circumstances. Labor Committee member Sen. Paul Moriarty immediately echoed those concerns, saying he had been contacted by local farmers in his district about the bill’s impact to farmers. It was later agreed that the sponsor would meet with Farm Bureau representatives to review agriculture’s position. Chairman Joe Lagana commented that he hoped the sponsor “would work things through” with the farm sector.
Other groups weighed in pro and con after the NJFB testimony. Also opposed were the State Chamber of Commerce, NJ Business and Industry Association, National Federation of Independent Business and others. Opponents wondered how the heat stress restrictions would be managed by public employees like Corrections, road departments, law enforcement; the fines and penalties also drew strong objections. Groups in favor were labor
unions and worker advocacy groups. The bill eventually cleared the committee 4-0 and sent for “second reference” to the Senate Budget Committee.
House Committee on Agriculture Chairman Glenn “GT” Thompson (PA-15) has released additional details on the bipartisan policies and priorities included in the 2024 Farm Bill.
The House Ag Committee will hold a mark up hearing on this bill on May 23.
To view the 2024 Farm Bill Title-by-Title Summary, click here.
Earlier this week, House Ag Committee Chairman GT Thompson released a five-page outline of a 2024 Farm Bill and announced a House Agriculture Committee markup date of May 23rd. Click here to read.
The same day, Senate Ag Committee Chairwoman Debbie Stabenow released a summary of a farm bill titled, The Rural Prosperity and Food Security Act of 2024. Chairwoman Stabenow has not indicated a date for a markup. Click here to read.
The NJFB Women’s Leadership Committee is looking to award a New Jersey Farm Bureau member for her outstanding achievements and efforts on the farm and within the agriculture industry.
The WLC mission is to develop public understanding of the value and need for agriculture in everyday living through education while empowering women to be strong, effective leaders and advocates in agriculture.
They are looking for the women in your community who are proud to be in the agricultural field be it on a tractor, milking a cow, or teaching a classroom.
Please nominate a worthy female Farm Bureau member to be the 2024 NJFB Woman of the Year.
