Farming in South Jersey is a dynamic and multifaceted occupation. In response to the many needs of South Jersey producers, Rutgers Cooperative Extension offers its yearly crop scouting program. Like the financial management and milk quality programs that we offer, the scouting program takes an integrated approach to pest and crop management, offering nutrient management and site-specific options. Our programming covers the eight southernmost counties extending north to Burlington and Ocean counties.

Many of the programs we offer are aimed at saving growers time and money. Having someone else walk the fields gives you time to spend on more important things during the busiest time of the year. The savings from needless pesticide and fertilizer applications can save you a lot of money too. Our corn nitrate testing saved growers an average of over $2000 each in excess fertilizer applications last year. Knowing that someone trained in disease and insect diagnosis is in your field on a regular basis, ready to spot potential problems, can give you peace of mind, an added bonus.

In addition to these savings, growers are doing their part to help the environment. Our programs work to balance fertility so growers aren’t applying more than the crop can use. This minimizes fertilizer runoff and pollution problems.

All Scouting options are tailored to the individual producer's needs.

Prices vary based on crop, number of acres, number of fields, services rendered and proximity to the office.

Please call the office for pricing for your situation.

CORN, SOYBEAN SCOUTING OPTIONS
PREPLANT: 3 visits
Preplanting management considerations including insects, weeds, and fertility.
EARLY SEASON: 4 visits
Inspect fields for weeds, insects, and crop-emergence problems once a week for four weeks following emergence. Field report and recommendations will be provided after each visit.
MID SEASON: 4 visits
Monitor fields for insect populations, wildlife damage, weed escapes, and overall plant health once a week for four weeks beginning July 1 (corn). Field report and recommendations provided after each visit.
LATE SEASON: 3 visits
Monitor fields for crop maturity and harvest management at appropriate time. Field report and recommendations will be provided after each visit.
FULL SEASON: 15 visits
Preplanting management considerations including insects, weeds, and fertility. Inspect fields for weeds, insects, and crop-emergence problems once a week for four weeks following emergence. Monitor fields for insect populations, wildlife damage, weed escapes, and overall plant health once a week for four weeks beginning July 1 (corn). Monitor fields for crop maturity and harvest management at appropriate time. Field report and recommendations will be provided after each visit.
DAIRY PRODUCER SPECIAL: 5 visits
Evaluate plant population. Perform nitrogen quick test when corn 10” tall. Monitor field for moisture (3 visits) for silage harvest. Field report and recommendations will be provided after each visit.

 

ALFALFA SCOUTING OPTIONS
SPRING:
Evaluate stand for plant population and weed infestation. Sample for 1st cutting insects. Monitor plant health and crop maturity. Field report and recommendations will be provided after each visit.
SUMMER:
Sample for potato leafhopper and monitor plant health and maturity. Field report and recommendations will be provided after each visit.
FULL SEASON: 15 visits
Evaluate stand for plant population and weed infestation. Sample for spring and summer insects, and monitor plant health and maturity during growing season. Field report and recommendations will be provided after each visit.

 

FORAGE/PASTURE SCOUTING OPTIONS
FULL-SEASON: bi-weekly, 8 visits
Inspect fields/pastures bi-weekly for insects, weeds, and diseases. Monitor fertility and harvest management. Field report and recommendations will be provided after each visit.

 

OTHER-CROP SCOUTING OPTIONS
FULL-SEASON: call for information
Inspect fields for insects, weeds, and diseases. Monitor fertility and harvest management. Field report and recommendations will be provided after each visit.

 

NUTRIENT MANAGEMENT SERVICES
NITROGEN QUICK TEST:
Soil sampling and analysis for nitrate. Corn only, when crop 8-12” tall.
SOIL SAMPLING AND ANALYSIS:
Composite sample. Standard or complete analysis. Spring or fall.
MANURE SAMPLING AND ANALYSIS:
Sample and analyze manure. Manure allocation and spreader calibration assistance. Spring or fall.
TISSUE SAMPLING AND ANALYSIS:
For plant-health diagnosis (all crops). For intensive wheat management (nitrogen management).
FORAGE SAMPLING AND ANALYSIS:
Determine forage quality and nutritive value. Full range of analysis options.
NUTRIENT MANAGEMENT PLAN CREATION:
Includes field mapping, creation of soil delineation maps, location of local water bodies and recommendations for improved nutrient management.

 

SITE SPECIFIC AGRICULTURAL SERVICES
FIELD MAPPING
Call office for more information.
GRID SAMPLING
Call office for more information.
INSECT, DISEASE, WEED VARIABILITY
Call office for more information.
NEAR INFRA-RED AERIAL PHOTOGRAPHY
Call office for more information.
REMOTE SENSING
Call office for more information.
PRECISION IRRIGATION MANAGEMENT
Call office for more information.