This week, NOFA NJ headed to Terhune Orchards in Princeton, NJ for an Organic-focused Integrated Pest Management (IPM) workshop.
Reuwai Mount Hanewald provided an incredibly enthusiastic, knowledgeable and energetic tour. Her engaged outlook on farming stems from her background as a scientist. Reuwai, along with her father, Gary Mount, insist on the application of physical data (analyses of soil tests, monitoring of soil moisture, observation of insect populations) to guide their decision-making process as farmers. “No knee jerk reactions here,” explains Reuwai. “Far too many employees and their families rely on the success of this farm; we will not make any major decisions without legitimate data supporting those choices.”
IPM uses basic scouting of insects (monitored twice a week) to determine if a particular insect is approaching or is above a threshold that may jeopardize a specific crop. This management style has assisted Terhune in keeping their 20 acres of vegetable production certified organic for 17 years!
A key factor of Terhune’s IPM program is employing Rutgers Cooperative Extension’s IPM Program. The program provides participating growers with specialized services, including weekly monitoring by field scouts and reports/recommendations tailored to the farm. The IPM Program also shares the Plant & Pest Advisory to notify producers throughout the region of timely pest, disease, and frost management issues, among other helpful topics.
Rutgers IPM Specialist, Kris Holmstrom, joined Reuwai in discussing organic pest management and provided guidance on best practices when developing a pest management program. Kris has 30+ years of experience and has become synonymous with IMP in NJ. Throughout the tour, he was able to answer attendee questions around a wide variety of pest issues, from aphids to southern blight to cucumber beetles to spider mites, and so much more. This kind of invaluable expertise and insight is what growers receive when they participate in the Rutgers IPM Program.
Terhune’s fields were impressive – neat, tidy and clean. No crop residues were unnecessarily left in the rows or paths because they could create an unwanted nursery for pests. Crop rotations are imperative from season-to-season to deter pests from settling in any one specific field. Their cover crops are well-planned and provide valuable plant diversity.
Event summary provided by Joanna Michini, NOFA NJ Outreach Associate.
This workshop was made possible via the USDA Transition to Organic Partnership Program (TOPP) in partnership with Pennsylvania Certified Organic (PCO). Partnering organizations in six regions connect farmers with local mentors and provide education and technical assistance on agronomy, certification, extension, conservation planning, business development, regulations, and marketing. Interested in becoming a Mentor, Mentee, or a project partner through TOPP? Learn more about how you can participate Here.