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.

On April 17th, the New Jersey Agricultural Society proudly celebrated the graduation of Class XII of the New Jersey Agricultural Leadership Development Program (NJALDP) at the Rutgers EcoComplex in Bordentown. The evening marked the culmination of a two-year journey in leadership development, agricultural education, and peer connection for 14 individuals committed to the future of New Jersey agriculture.

Following a cocktail hour and buffet dinner, guests gathered for a program that honored the graduates and the path they’ve traveled. Speakers included NJAS President Christopher Carnevale, Vice President and NJALDP Committee Chair Amy Ordog-Blew, Executive Dean of NJAES Dr. Laura Lawson, and Dr. Brian Schilling, Director of Rutgers Cooperative Extension, who delivered the evening’s keynote. Tameko Webster, Chief of Staff for the State Board of Agriculture, shared remarks on behalf of the Department, along with Allen Carter, Jr., President of the New Jersey Farm Bureau. Class XII graduate Lauren Lewis also offered reflections on behalf of her peers.

The celebration was made even more special thanks to local supporters Screamin’ Hill Brewery and Salem Oak Vineyards, who generously donated beer and wine for the evening.

Class XII also just recently returned from their international capstone trip to Portugal—touring citrus orchards, vineyards, and organic farms; connecting with researchers at the University of Algarve; and meeting with the U.S. Embassy to discuss agricultural trade and global regulation. These firsthand experiences provided valuable context for understanding agriculture across borders—and brought fresh perspective back to New Jersey.

​The New Jersey Agricultural Society joins the broader farming community in remembering Steven R. Jany, who passed away on April 8, 2025, at the age of 73.

Steve was a lifelong resident of Mercer County and a farmer whose commitment to agriculture began in his teens and continued for more than five decades. As a partner at Rustin Farms, he worked alongside his brother Frank and son Rodger to build a 2,000-acre grain and Christmas tree operation in Princeton Junction.

Over the years, Steve served in numerous leadership roles across the state. He was a former president of the State Board of Agriculture, second vice president of the NJ Farm Bureau, and held positions with the NJ Soybean Board, Grain and Forage Producers Association, and more. He contributed to land use, water supply, and open space conversations at both the local and state level.

In recognition of his lifetime of service, Steve was awarded the Distinguished Service to New Jersey Agriculture Award in 2014 by the State Board of Agriculture. The honor highlighted his decades of work to advance the industry and improve rural life in the Garden State.

We extend our heartfelt condolences to Steve’s family, friends, and all who knew and admired him. He will be remembered for his quiet leadership, generous mentorship, and enduring commitment to New Jersey agriculture.