Senior Meteorologist for Nutrien AG Solutions, Andrew Pritchard, joins FOX Weather to discuss how farmers have dealt with the drought conditions so far this spring, along with other factors.
TRENTON, N.J. – Much of New Jersey has experienced an unusual weather pattern resulting in devastating agricultural losses across the state.
Following a warm period, temperatures dropped sharply, with lows in the 20s, which was terrible timing, as crops were destroyed during the critical development stage.
THESE EVERYDAY COMMODITIES MAY COST YOU MORE AS SEVERE DROUGHT TRICKLES DOWN TO CONSUMERS
A prolonged warm spell in mid-April pushed temperatures above 90 degrees in some areas of the state, causing fruit trees and other crops to flower earlier than normal, according to New Jersey state officials.
Rows of corn at a farm in Pemberton, New Jersey, US, on Tuesday, Oct. 14, 2025. Corn futures rose as much as 1% ahead of a US Energy Information Administration report that’s expected to show growing ethanol production and shrinking stockpiles.
(Victor J. Blue/Bloomberg / Getty Images)
Some farmers anticipate losing 100% of certain crops due to the dropping temperatures from April 19 to 22.
Due to the tremendous loss and agricultural damage from prolonged freezing temperatures, early estimates from state officials suggest at least $300 million in total crop losses for growers and farmers.
THESE POPULAR NATIONAL PARKS ANNOUNCE PLANS FOR 2026 VISITOR RESERVATIONS
As a result, New Jersey Governor Mikie Sherrill has declared a state of emergency across all 21 counties, which will take action to preserve farm operations and stabilize local economies during this ongoing situation.
SALEM, NJ – DECEMBER 30: Organic cattle farmer Dick McDermott drives a tractor loaded with organic hay at Neptune Farm, December 30, 2003 in Salem, New Jersey. Neptune Farm raises organic beef cattle, sheep, asparagus, and blueberries. The farm has been certified organic by the Northeast Organic Farming Association of New Jersey (NOFA-NJ) since 1992.
(William Thomas Cain / Getty Images)
“The April freeze caused serious damage to our growers, and those losses demand decisive action,” Governor Mikie Sherrill said in a statement. “This executive order mobilizes a whole-of-government recovery effort out of Trenton, cutting through bureaucracy and accelerating results for impacted farmers and families.”
SINKHOLE CAUSES CLOSURE OF LAGUARDIA AIRPORT RUNWAY AS CREW WORK TO MAKE REPAIRS
Findings from damage assessments led to the state of emergency being issued.
