NJ Farms Grapple With a Changing Climate

By members of the New Jersey Sierra Club Student Action Committee - Content featured in The Jersey Sierran

Despite little public attention, droughts have occurred in New Jersey for over half a century. To learn more, the NJ Sierra Student Action Committee launched a project to determine how these droughts are affecting the productivity of local farms. By discussing this issue with farmers and collecting data, we found that droughts do threaten farm yields and the future of agriculture in New Jersey.

Drought History

New Jersey’s repeated periods of drought have deeply affected local communities. According to the New Jersey Office of Emergency Management, notable dry spells occurred in the 1960s, 1980s, and early 2000s. These events often led to statewide water restrictions, crop damage, and financial strain for small and midsize farms. As the climate continues to change, experts say droughts will become more frequent and unpredictable, making it harder for farmers to rely on traditional growing practices. In October 2024, New Jersey recorded its driest October since 1895, with the state receiving just 0.02 inches of precipitation on average—nearly 4 inches below normal. Higher temperatures, milder winters, and shifting rainfall patterns are already altering farm outputs. New Jersey farmers are responding by adapting their practices, using cover crops, reducing tillage, managing water more efficiently, and protecting crops from extreme weather by using hoop houses and other solutions. As climate change accelerates, the cycle of drought and recovery may become even harder to manage in the future. Longer growing seasons may not be enough to offset the damage caused by intense, unreliable rainfall.

Project Goals

With this project, the Student Action Committee sought to better understand how droughts are affecting farms throughout New Jersey. We collected firsthand accounts from farmers about changes in yield and financial losses, farming practices, crop choices, and long-term sustainability. We also aimed to raise awareness of reduced rainfall in New Jersey. Farmers are often among the first to experience the changing climate, yet their perspectives may not be reflected in broader public discussions about water policy and conservation.

Findings

Droughts in New Jersey have significantly affected farmers, by reducing yields and increasing costs. We surveyed 7 New Jersey farms. On a scale of 1 to 10, they gave crop yield and cost impacts an average rating of 6.5. Crop losses have been widespread, mostly among water-reliant and outdoor crops such as corn, tomatoes, and soybeans. Some farmers have responded by changing their planting and irrigation patterns. Moonshot Farm of East Windsor reported that growing crops in greenhouses resulted in more efficient water usage. Asked about financial losses (extra irrigation and decreased yield), farmers gave an average impact rating of 5.8. Dey Farm of Cranbury Township reported a 50% decrease in yield. Farmers said drought has been a costly challenge for their New Jersey farms that they haven't always been able to overcome.

Pending Bills

It is crucial for New Jerseyans to urge their state senators and assemblymen to support pending bills that would alleviate the impact of drought on farms.

· The Water Resources Protection Trust Fund Act (NJ S202) would establish a user fee on water consumption and diversion. Fee revenues under this bill would support water quality, supply, and infrastructure projects.

· The Statewide Drought Management Act (A803) would allow the state to restrict water use during drought conditions.

Legislative Support

Sen. Cory Booker advocates for accessible clean water and integrating climate resilience into infrastructure planning. State Sen. Bob Smith has sponsored the Water Resources Protection Trust Fund Act, and US Rep. Andy Kim has sought to improve community resilience through flood mitigation, green infrastructure projects, and disaster relief.

Grass Roots Aid

The public can help mitigate the effects of drought by conserving water by reducing lawn watering, fixing household leaks, and avoiding unnecessary use during dry periods. This preserves water supplies that farmers rely on. Supporting local farms by shopping at farmers’ markets or community-supported agriculture programs helps farmers manage financial losses

Photo Credit: Tony Hagen

Conclusion

Undeniably, farms across New Jersey have been hurt by recent droughts. Only with concerned politicians, individual water preservation, and holistic environmental care (i.e., taking a comprehensive, all-encompassing approach to caring for the environment rather than addressing issues in isolation) can effective drought countermeasures be established. Future steps require actions on individual, community, and statewide levels. Governing officials must help to preserve our clean water and make it accessible to farms and those most in need. Individual residents can help by working with their legislators and by simply conserving water at home and in business activities.

This article is featured in The Jersey Sierran's April-June 2026 publication. To read more about similar grass-roots environmental content in New Jersey, click the link below. Happy exploring!

The Jersey Sierran: The Jersey Sierran April - June 2026 | Sierra Club