TRENTON, NJ – New Jersey farmers experienced crop damage on a widespread and, in some cases, severe basis after the weekend’s deluge of heavy rain from tropical storm Irene. While the feared wind damage to greenhouses and other farm structures never really materialized, the storm created unusually heavy, driving rain that affected all parts of the state. Nonetheless, consumers should expect continued availability of Jersey Fresh produce at farm markets and other outlets, despite the ill effects of this heavy weather, particularly if weather continues to improve.
Farm officials braced for the worst as the storm advanced, knowing that the weeks preceding the storm had already produced above-average rain that had saturated farm fields and raised stream levels. This storm caused many streams and small rivers to overflow their banks onto farm fields, as well as creating large amounts of water running through farms. Low-lying crops yet to be harvested, including late summer vegetables, fall pumpkins and newly planted fall vegetables, were hit hard. Surprisingly, fall-harvested corn and soybeans withstood the wind gusts better than expected.
On a positive note, some crops like peaches had been mostly harvested prior to the storm and sunny, dry weather in the days after the storm will assist recovery. Individual farm operations may have escaped the brunt of the water damage due to individual farm features (higher ground) or management practices (tomatoes grown with stakes).
“We regret the setback to farm businesses caused by this storm, especially after what had been such a promising summer season,” said Farm Bureau President Richard Nieuwenhuis. “But we have to take the punch from Mother Nature like everyone else, and we still have much to keep us going. We look forward to the support of local consumers as we work through the challenges presented by this storm event.”
For further information, contact the New Jersey Farm Bureau, at The Farmhouse, 168 West State Street, Trenton, NJ 08608. Phone 609-393-7163; fax 609-393-7072; email mail@njfb.org; website www.njfb.org
The New Jersey Farm Bureau is a non-profit member organization of 13,000+ farmers and farm-related individuals within the Garden State. It is the only organization solely dedicated to representing the grass- roots interests and directives of its members in educating all levels of government and the public on the farm community’s policies and positions. The Farm Bureau also takes a lead in seeking out initiatives, activities and ventures to enhance the profitability of producer members and ensure the viability of agriculture in New Jersey — the Garden State for Good Reason — our farms.
Source: New Jersey Farm Bureau