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New Jersey Farm Bureau News

Ag Matters Online

Owen Pool, longtime Gloucester County farmer and former NJFB treasurer for many years, died October 31, 2023. Owen was the victim in a tragic motor vehicle accident near his farm.  Owen volunteered countless hours as a Farm Bureau leader and volunteer, as did his late wife Beth who was very active with the NJFB Women’s Committee. 

Owen had a great gift of service to fellow farmers and others – he will be greatly missed.

Relatives and Friends may visit from 10:30am to 12:30pm on Sunday, November 26th at the Elmer Grange #26, 535 Daretown Road, Elmer, NJ where a memorial service will be held at 12:30pm. As an expression of sympathy, contributions can be made to NJ Farm Bureau, Gladys (Beth) & Owen Pool Ag Education Scholarship Fund, 168 W. State Street, Trenton, NJ 08608.

Click here to view the complete obituary for Owen.

Despite challenges, state’s farms are ‘still going strong’ thanks to innovations

The basics:

  • Agriculture is New Jersey’s third-largest industry, generating approximately $1.5 billion in annual revenue.
  • The industry is facing challenges such as a tough regulatory environment, high operating costs, competition and unpredictable weather conditions.
  • Small and mid-sized farms around the state are embracing agritourism as a means to add value to their products and attract consumers.

Click here to read the full story from NJBIZ.

The NJDA has released a DEP advisory to farmers regarding the proper disposal of empty pesticide containers. This two-page document summarizes helpful tips and the rules for various situations regarding disposal and recycling. This guide explains how/where to make the disposals, including contact telephone numbers to call with questions.

For a copy of the document, click here.

Preventing Heat Stress

The summer months can bring extreme temperatures, so employers must account for this when their employees are working in hot conditions. When the body is unable to cool itself by sweating, several heat –induced illnesses such as heat stress and heat exhaustion can occur causing serious effects including death in extreme cases. Currently several states have adopted heat stress regulations and the United States Department of Labor Occupational Safety and Health administration (OSHA) is currently preparing regulations to address heat-stress. New Jersey does not have specific heat-stress regulations so employers would be subject to OSHA oversight.  Although there is no specific federal regulation for heat stress, employers should take preventative measures because OSHA could still take action under their “general duty clause” if an employer is found to be negligent and a worker is significantly sickened or dies from heat exhaustion. 

There are a number of factors that can lead to heat induced illness such as high temperature, high humidity, physical exertion, poor physical health and some medications.  When these conditions exist it becomes important that growers or crew leaders watch for signs of illness when working in the heat. 

These are some symptoms that often indicate the presence of heat stress.

  • Headaches dizziness, light headedness or fainting
  • Weakness and moist skin
  • Mood changes such as irritability or confusion
  • Upset stomach or vomiting Symptoms of heat stroke
  • Dry hot skin with no sweating.
  • Mental confusion or losing consciences
  • Seizures and convulsions

The best method for dealing with heat stress is to implement preventative steps.   Make sure workers have adequate amount of potable water at the ratio of about 4-8oz. of water or sports drinks every 15 minutes.  Employers should be very cautious of caffeinated drinks that are common today, as they can make a person more susceptible to heat stress. Adjust schedules so that most strenuous occupations are performed in the cooler parts of the day such as morning and evening. Growers will also want to make sure they are aware as well as their foreman know what to look for regarding the early symptoms of heat stress.

USDOL, OSHA and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) developed an app for iPhone and androids that assist in the prevention of heat-stress. The App allows workers and supervisors to calculate the heat index for their worksite, and, based on the heat index, displays a risk level to outdoor workers. There is an option to set reminders about the protective measures that should be taken at that risk level to protect workers from heat-related illness-reminders about drinking enough fluids, scheduling rest breaks, planning for and knowing what to do in an emergency, adjusting work operations, gradually building up the workload for new workers, training on heat illness signs and symptoms, and monitoring each other for signs and symptoms of heat-related illness. This is all available with a few clicks on a smartphone. OSHA-NIOSH Heat Safety Tool on the App Store (apple.com)

For more information about safety while working in the heat, see OSHA’s heat illness webpage, including online guidance about using the heat index to protect workers.

This is a website for OSHA publications that provide recommendations to prevent heat stress that employers can order or print.  Occupational Safety and Health Administration (osha.gov)

Labor management is important for all farm employers because labor is the most important resource to the agricultural industry.

Equine Advisory Awards Presented

16 Jun 2023, Posted by admin in News, State News

The Equine Advisory Board and the State of NJ honored many in the equine industry as part of June being “month of the horse”

Assistant Secretary of Agriculture Joe Atchison read and presented the proclamation from Governor Murphy.  He then went on to present several awards

Thoroughbred of the Year  went to He’spuregold and John Bowers Jr, the Standardbred of the Year is Special Way,  New Jersey Sire Stakes Horse of the year is Oh Well,  The Standardbred Breeder of the year is Heritage Hill Farm. The Governor’s Trophy for Horseperson of the Year was presented to the Wunderlich Family of Sussex County and Youth Person of the year is Gianna Tanzi

The event was held at the Horse Park of NJ and the luncheon sponsored by the Standardbred Breeders and Owners Association of NJ.  The Horse Park of NJ and the Equine Advisory Board also presented special awards of thanks to retiring Secretary of Agriculture Doug Fisher for his support and promotion of the equine industry in NJ.

A full list of awards is here.

Ag Achievement Award – Ashley Presgraves

Thoroughbred if the Year – He’spuregold – John Bowers Jr, 866 Route 34, Colts Neck, NJ 07722

Superior Achievement – Entirely Smooth Movin – Elizabeth Stanker, 148 Old Burlington Rd, Bridgeton, NJ 08302

Bell Scholarship – Sasha Barns

Superior Award – Sonnys Music Man, Dawn Edmonds, 358 Monoreville Rd, Monroeville, NJ 08343

Youth Horseperson of the Year – Gianna Tanzi

Standardbred of the Year – Special Way –

NJSS Horse of the Year – Oh Well

Governors Trophy – Horseperson of the Year – Wunderlich Family

SBOA Breeder of the Year – Heritage Hill Farm

HP of NJ – Volunteer of the Year – Nancy Frenick

NJFB President Allen Carter advises that caution should be observed with outdoor activity today and until the wildfire smoke conditions are alleviated. Governor Phil Murphy has declared an Air Quality Action alert for particulate matter because of it; he urges those with heart or lung conditions to stay safe and limit strenuous activity. The state Department of Agriculture has information on its social media platforms with similar precautions for human health protection as well as livestock animals.

Consider the use of facial protection like N-95 masks that were useful during the covid pandemic. The air quality consequences from prolonged exposure is important to consider, especially for your labor force.

Thank you.

https://www.nj.gov/dep/airmon/

https://www.airnow.gov/sites/default/files/2020-11/reduce-your-smoke-exposure.pdf?utm_medium=email&utm_name=&utm_source=govdelivery

https://nj.gov/agriculture/animalemergency/?_gl=1*ziydjc*_ga*MTExNDMwMzE1MC4xNjg1NjI3MTYz*_ga_06ZZHLXXEM*MTY4NjIzNzc4NS4yLjAuMTY4NjIzNzc4NS4wLjAuMA

NJ Minors to Get Working Papers Online Starting June 1 at MyWorkingPapers.NJ.Gov

May 18, 2023

TRENTON – The New Jersey Department of Labor and Workforce Development (NJDOL) today announced a new online application for teenagers who need working papers – at MyWorkingPapers.nj.gov – launching June 1.

Minors who need working papers to start a job – and any employer who hires a worker under age 18 in New Jersey – will visit the site and register, following the prompts to complete the working papers application online. NJDOL will administer this digitized, streamlined process in accordance with A4222/S2796, a law Gov. Murphy signed last year to enhance protections for the state’s young workers.

Schools will no longer be involved, but minors, employers, and caregivers all play a role and will receive email notifications when it’s their turn to take action. The minor and employer will receive an email letting them know the application has been approved or rejected.

“This is a significant update in how minors acquire their working papers, which they need for employment in New Jersey,” said Labor Commissioner Robert Asaro-Angelo. “It’s quicker, easier, and this new process gives NJDOL a welcome opportunity to reach minors and their caregivers about career and apprenticeship opportunities, and to make minors aware of their work rights when it matters most – when they start their first job.”

Here’s how the new application works:

  1. Teenagers and their employers each go to MyWorkingPapers.nj.gov to get started.
  2. Employers receive a unique 8-digit code when they register, which they share with every minor they hire.
  3. The minor completes the online working papers application, entering their caregiver’s name and email address, and the employer’s 8-digit code, which links the application to a specific employer.
  4. Emails prompt the employer and caregiver to complete their portions of the application and sign off. Caregivers also will be asked to upload a copy of a birth certificate, passport or other official document verifying the minor’s age.
  5. The minor begins working when their application is approved.

As part of its responsibility to serve and protect the state’s workforce, NJDOL has developed a suite of online information and services specifically for young workers. It contains information on resume writing and interviewing skills, child labor laws, and more. Information on wages, hours, and types of work permitted for minors can be found here.

Anyone who needs working papers before June 1 should visit NJDOL’s young worker hub to get the paper form.

The Chamber of Commerce of Southern New Jersey, in collaboration with several other business organizations, will host an informational webinar on this subject on Wednesday, May 24 at 2:00pm.  Click here for details and to register.

For additional information, please visit MyWorkingPapers.nj.gov.

The New Jersey Farm Bureau Women’s Leadership Committee is seeking nominations for the 2023 NJFB Woman of the Year.  The mission of the committee 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.

If you know a women who is proud to be in the agricultural field – be it on a tractor, milking a cow or teaching in a classroom – please take a few moments to nominate her.

Nominations are due by May 31st.  The recipient will be presented at the NJFB Annual Dinner in November.

Click here for details and an application.

American Farm Bureau Federation President Zippy Duvall today emphasized the importance of the farm bill during testimony before the Senate Agriculture Committee’s Subcommittee on Commodities, Risk Management, and Trade. The hearing focused on commodity programs, credit and crop insurance.

Click here for the full story, and a copy of President Duvall’s full statement.