Establishment of forage grass for beef cattle grazing was conducted at the Rutgers Animal Farm on July 25, 2024.
Total coverage of green area and percentage of cool vs. warm season grass was determined using using a half meter square randomly tossed in each plot. Both the experimental and control areas were graded. The change in coverage and percentage of grass type will be measured as the season progresses, before and after beef cattle graze the blocks.
The second hay cutting samples this season were collected at the Snyder Farm on July 8, 2024. A biomass quality analysis is performed after each cutting, the “Basic Plus Minerals” package from Dairy One’s Forage Laboratory (Ithaca NY).
Continuous biomass assessment throughout the growing season is important to help determine if differences in biomass quality occur between the experimental (underneath the solar panels) and control (outside of the solar panels) areas.
A half square meter area is randomly selected within each plot. The hay is cut 4 inches from ground level. The cut hay is collected from each plot and sent for quality analysis.
Photo Gallery:
The New Jersey Board of Public Utilities issued a public notice on June 10, 2024 regarding the Dual-Use Solar Energy Pilot Program. The notice is a request for comments with a deadline of June 24, 2024.
The Dual-Use Solar Energy Pilot Program is designed to encourage the development of dual-use solar facilities and the creation of a new segment of the solar industry in New Jersey that is compatible with the State’s rich agricultural heritage. Specifically, the Pilot Program seeks to demonstrate and study the compatibility of active agricultural or horticultural production and solar photovoltaic infrastructure on the same land/property.
In 2024, the Board will conduct a rulemaking for the Pilot Program and run the first solicitation to select dual-use projects. Prior to issuing a formal rule proposal, and in accordance with the State’s rulemaking procedures established at N.J.A.C. 1:30-5.3(a), Staff is informally seeking input from stakeholders on this preliminary rule draft.
Find the Request for Comment here: https://www.nj.gov/bpu/newsroom/public/