Now and for the future. Everything considered, weather pattern so far is mercifully wetter than last year and temperatures are cooler.
Most growers report good quality in their production.
Hay and grain crops had the benefit of a timely rain last week-end and again on Wednesday this week. Crop prices for grain, unfortunately, are well below average for the third straight year. The DEP's draft water quality rules, a comprehensive re-write of their operating standards governing new development and surface water quality around the state, was the subject of the first of three public hearings on Tuesday this week. About 60 people attended the hearing at Gloucester County College. Tuesday's hearing brought out more complaints from environmentalists who want to see the rules used for a no-growth policy.