With Spring in the air, the New Jersey Agricultural Leadership Development Program (NJALDP) Class XIII took their work to Washington, D.C. — showing up where decisions are made and making sure New Jersey agriculture had a voice at the table.

The trip centered around National Agriculture Day, where the class was invited to attend the celebration at USDA Headquarters in the Whitten Building by Brooke Rollins. The program featured remarks from national leaders including Kelly Loeffler and a standout address from Zippy Duvall, along with other speakers — offering valuable perspective on the current state and future of agriculture.

Throughout the visit, Class XIII engaged with key federal leaders and their teams, including Senator Cory Booker and staff, while also meeting directly with Senator Andy Kim.

On March 7th, the New Jersey Agricultural Society welcomed farmers, partners, leaders, volunteers, and supporters from across the state to the Community House in Moorestown for its 2026 Annual Gala — an evening dedicated to celebrating the strength, resilience, and future of New Jersey agriculture.

The room was filled with a shared sense of purpose. From long-standing agricultural leaders to the next generation stepping into the industry, the evening brought together a community rooted in hard work, leadership, and a commitment to keeping agriculture strong in the Garden State.

Guests enjoyed a dinner that highlighted New Jersey’s agricultural diversity, with ingredients sourced from farms and producers across the state. The evening also featured a silent auction, wine pull, and opportunities for guests to connect, reflect, and celebrate the impact of agriculture in New Jersey!

One of the most meaningful moments of the evening was the presentation of the Gold Medallion Award, the New Jersey Agricultural Society’s highest honor, to Gary Mount of Terhune Orchards.

Gary’s influence on New Jersey agriculture was profound. As co-founder of Terhune Orchards, he helped build not just a successful farm, but a destination that connected people to agriculture. Beyond the farm, his leadership extended across numerous boards, initiatives, and educational efforts that strengthened the industry statewide.

The recognition was especially poignant, as Gary was honored posthumously. His daughter, Tannwen Mount, accepted the award on his behalf and shared heartfelt reflections on his life and work. She spoke about his deep belief in education, collaboration, and mentorship — and his vision for an agricultural community that grows stronger by working together.

While Gary was not physically present, his legacy was felt throughout the room. His life’s work continues to shape New Jersey agriculture, and his impact will be carried forward by the many individuals and communities he influenced.

In addition to the Gold Medallion Award, the evening recognized several outstanding individuals and organizations whose work continues to move agriculture forward in New Jersey:

• Assemblyman William W. Spearman received the President’s Award for his leadership in advancing agricultural issues and supporting the farming community through public service.
• Melick’s Town Farm, an 11th-generation family farm with roots dating back to 1713, was honored with a Century Farm Award for its enduring legacy and continued contribution to New Jersey agriculture.
• Pleasant Valley Farm, serving Atlantic County since 1918, was also recognized with a Century Farm Award for its longstanding commitment to providing fresh, local products to its community.
• Ed Dager of Snyder Research Farm received the Neil Robson Farmers Against Hunger Award in recognition of his exceptional dedication to fighting food insecurity, donating tens of thousands of pounds of fresh produce to support families across the state.

Each honoree represents a different piece of New Jersey agriculture — from policy and research to multi-generational farming and community impact — highlighting the resiliance of the industry.

This evening would not have been possible without the generous support of our sponsors, whose commitment to agriculture continues to make a lasting impact across New Jersey.

We extend our sincere gratitude to our Presenting Sponsor, Belle Mead Garage, for their continued leadership and support of the New Jersey Agricultural Society.

We also thank our Corporate Sponsors, Table Sponsors, Society Sponsors, and Contributors, whose partnership helps make events like this — and the work we do year-round — possible.

In addition, we are grateful to the many farms, businesses, and partners who contributed to the evening, including those who helped provide locally sourced food, auction items, and experiences that showcased the best of New Jersey agriculture.

Your support allows us to continue advancing our mission and expanding programs like Farmers Against Hunger, connecting farms with families in need across our state.

Click 'Read More' to see the full gallery of photos taken by Chris Palias (Palias Media Photography) - ​https://www.pailasmediaphoto.com/

During the 3rd week of January, we were proud to spend several days in Atlantic City for the Northeast Ag Expo at Harrah’s, hosted by the Vegetable Growers Association of New Jersey. The Expo is one of the largest and most important agricultural gatherings in the region, bringing together farmers, educators, industry leaders, and partners from across the state and beyond.

From the moment we stepped onto the trade show floor, it was clear just how much innovation, knowledge, and “Jersey grit” was packed into one room. The Expo showcased the incredible breadth of today’s agricultural industry — from seed and crop protection to equipment, irrigation, greenhouses, composting, technology and robotics, packaging, energy, insurance, labor support, education, and state and federal agricultural programs.

Walking the floor meant real conversations with people who truly understand farming. Whether growers were exploring ways to upgrade equipment, improve yields, learn about new technologies, talk financing or labor solutions, or dive into sustainability and conservation programs, the Expo offered practical tools and ideas that can be taken straight back to the farm.

We were especially glad to connect with so many of our partners and friends across the agricultural community, including fellow organizations, researchers, educators, and service providers who play such a vital role in supporting New Jersey agriculture. Events like the Northeast Ag Expo remind us just how interconnected this ecosystem is — and how much stronger it becomes when everyone comes together in one place.

One of the highlights of the Expo for us was congratulating Edward D. Wengryn on his reappointment as New Jersey’s Secretary of Agriculture, along with the many other appointees recognized during the event. We were also honored to hear from Temple Grandin, whose keynote was a real standout of the Expo.

Temple Grandin is widely respected for her work in animal behavior and livestock handling, and for helping improve animal welfare practices across the agricultural industry. As a professor of animal science at Colorado State University, her research and facility designs have influenced how producers think about humane livestock systems and animal-centered farm design. Her talk touched on leadership, innovation, and the importance of observation and problem-solving in agriculture — a thoughtful reminder of how science and practical farming continue to shape the future of the industry.

Above all, the Expo reinforced what we already know to be true: New Jersey agriculture is diverse, forward-thinking, and full of passionate people who care deeply about the future of farming in our state.

​Following the Expo, we were thrilled to gather again with so many members of the agricultural community at the NJAS Luncheon — and we’re still smiling after such a meaningful afternoon!

We were grateful to be joined by our members, partners, NJALDP alumni, and friends of New Jersey agriculture. The room was filled with conversation, laughter, and a shared sense of pride in the work being done across our state.

This dinner is just the beginning. The New Jersey Agricultural Society is proud to introduce Table to Farm, a new series of dinner events that will bring celebrations like this one to beautiful farms across the state. Each event will highlight the people, produce, and places that make New Jersey agriculture thrive — connecting communities through shared meals and meaningful stories.

Stay tuned for more details — and more unforgettable nights around the table. ​

Sweet corn plays a central role in why gleanings at Buzby Farms are so consistent. The farm plants around 35 successive corn fields each season, beginning in March and ending in late summer.

“When a field is ready, we pick all of the marketable ears on the first pass,” Eric explained. “But there’s often plenty of good corn left behind—ears that are just slightly under our market size. For us, it’s not worth sending our crew back for those, but they’re still perfectly good to eat.”

That’s where FAH volunteers step in, harvesting hundreds of pounds in a single visit. Bins of gleaned corn—each holding roughly 600 ears—quickly add up to thousands of pounds distributed to food banks and community partners. “It’s cool that people get to come and experience working on a farm."

Beyond the crop itself, Eric says the relationship works because FAH coordinates volunteers in a way that respects farm operations. “Every farm is different,” he said. “Some have more space for volunteers, some less. Farmers Against Hunger does a good job making sure people know where to go, when to be there, and how to work safely. That makes a big difference.”

While sweet corn offers a standing weekly opportunity, Eric encourages other farmers to consider gleaning for crops with shorter windows too. “Even if it’s not every week, there’s a lot of good food that could be put to use instead of going to waste,” he said. For farms, partnering with FAH can mean reducing the labor and cost of second harvests, putting surplus to better use, and strengthening connections with the community.

By stepping in to handle the logistics—from organizing volunteers to coordinating distribution—Farmers Against Hunger helps ensure produce finds their way to people who need them. But at the heart of this story is the Buzby family’s generosity, consistency, and care for their community. That’s why, at our 2025 Gala, we presented Andrew and Dawn Buzby with the Neil Robson Farmers Against Hunger Award, honoring their exceptional efforts to feed communities across New Jersey. Their commitment to opening their farm to our volunteers is the reason New Jersey families can enjoy fresh, healthy corn every summer.