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.

On March 29th, the New Jersey Agricultural Society hosted its Annual Gala at the Crowne Plaza Princeton Conference Center—our first time at this beautiful venue, and it made the night feel especially memorable. Over 200 friends, farmers, educators, and supporters gathered to reconnect, share stories, and celebrate the people who keep New Jersey agriculture strong. The evening also featured great food, live music, a silent auction, a wine cork pull, and a 50/50 raffle—all of which added to the fun and made for a great night.

We were proud to honor four outstanding leaders in New Jersey agriculture. Opening with the Century Farm Award, secretary Ed Wengryn, presented the award to Viereck Farms of Swedesboro, a fifth-generation farm that has been feeding its community for over 100 years. Joel Viereck, representing the fourth generation, humbly accepted the award on behalf of his family, honoring their long-standing commitment to sustainable farming and local community engagement.

Honored with the President’s Award was Ryck Suydam. Representing a staggering 12 generations of farmers on his family’s Somerset County land, Ryck has carried that legacy forward, leading as president of the NJ Farm Bureau for ten years. He also serves on the Somerset County Board of Agriculture, and has persistently supported organizations like the NJ Ag Society as a former board member, New Jersey Department of Agriculture, and Rutgers University throughout his career. In his speech, he reminded us how vital it is to get involved and see the bigger picture, and shared, “Being a farmer—I feel lucky every day.” 

Awarded with the Tony Russo Marketing Award was Barlow Flower Farm, accepted by Steve Barlow. What started as a small growing greenhouse 40 years ago along the Jersey Shore has bloomed into a standout destination with a strong online presence, gardening club, creative events like their workshops and packed winter market, and an unprecedented e-commerce plant platform. Steve gave a nod to his mom's early marketing smarts, explaining how simply supporting local organizations and getting involved in the community laid the groundwork for their thriving approach today.

The Gold Medallion Award presentation was a standout moment of the evening, as Bill Griffin and Jim Giamarese honored Joni Elliott, past president of the New Jersey Agricultural Society and longtime representative of the Department of Agriculture. Calling her “the nucleus of the current Ag Society,” Elliott took the helm as director of NJAS in 1991 back when it was still integrated into the NJ Department of Agriculture. There, she transformed it from a $60,000 operation into a nearly half-million dollar organization with multiple thriving programs. She reflected on her work with Farmers Against Hunger, sharing, “I at least could go to bed at night knowing that we provided thousands of people a week with fresh nutritious produce.” And despite entering the industry with no agricultural background, she became a mentor and guiding force for many in the agriculture community. She bravely named those who supported her throughout her career, including farmers, trustees, and longtime staff. In her closing, she invited many of her supporters to join her at the podium, sharing the moment with gratitude saying, “Some people say it takes a village; I say it takes people who care.”

Thank you to our sponsors, donors, Ag Journal advertisers, and the NJAS Board of Trustees for making it all possible. Proceeds from the Gala support the Society’s three core programs: Farmers Against Hunger, Agricultural Education, and the New Jersey Agricultural Leadership Development Program.

Here’s to the stories we shared, the people we honored, and the future we’re growing together. See you again next year!

Joni has the unique distinction of having worked in all three employment sectors:  Public, Private and Nonprofit!

While at the New Jersey Department of Agriculture, Joni also served as the Executive Director of the New Jersey Agricultural Society, dedicating twenty years of stewardship to the organization.  When Joni took the helm, the NJAS had an operating budget of about  $60,000 and the organization’s activities consisted of an annual legislators tour and three teachers tours.  

Using her leadership skills as well as her strength to turn ideas into reality, Joni inspired, encouraged and involved others, to whom she gives much credit, in the mission to make the New Jersey Agricultural Society stronger and better.   In a shining example of “leaving things better than you found them”, she left the Ag Society with an annual operating budget of nearly a half-million dollars along with three thriving signature programs:  Learning Through Gardening, Farmers Against Hunger and NJ Agricultural Leadership Development!  
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Joni has served on numerous boards (e.g., church council, battered women, environmental education, homeowners association), several times as President or Chair.    Fueled by her passion for agriculture, Joni continues to serve on the New Jersey Agricultural Society’s Board of Trustees, recently completing a term as President.    

Century Farm Award - Viereck Farms
​Awarded to farms in the same family for 100+ years, Viereck Farms is recognized for their century-long agricultural legacy.

Viereck Farms is a fourth generation farm that was started over 100 years ago by Leslie Viereck and continued by Leslie Viereck, Jr, who is now 97.  The farm is currently owned by David and Larry Viereck who operate the farm along with their sons Joel and Michael Viereck, who are the fourth generation.  Leslie Viereck III also works on the farm, supervising the farmers market program.   

The farm comprises about 800 acres in Woolwich and Logan Townships in Gloucester County with the majority of the acreage being permanently preserved farmland.

Viereck Farms is a diversified farming operation specializing in high tunnel vine-ripened tomatoes as well as a variety of other vegetables, fruits and grains grown using sustainable farming practices.  These practices, such as crop rotation, integrated pest management and soil conservation help to ensure the long-term ecological health of Viereck Farms.

Viereck Farms sells its products directly to wholesale buyers in the region and also to delighted retail customers at area farmers markets.
The New Jersey Agricultural Society honors the Viereck family for their dedication to farming and agriculture through four generations and is proud to award the 2025 Century Farm Award to Viereck Farms.

President’s Award - Ryck Suydam

Honoring individuals or organizations with significant contributions to NJAS and NJ agriculture, Ryck Suydam is celebrated for his leadership in the agricultural community.

Agriculture has always been a significant part of Ryck Suydam’s life.  Raised on the farm that has been in his family for over 300 years, Ryck is the 12th generation of his family to farm in America.  Arriving from Holland in 1663 on the Rose Tree, his ancestors first farmed in Brooklyn NY for fifty years before moving to Somerset County  NJ in 1713.  

During Ryck’s childhood, Suydam Farms was a dairy operation.  He was active in 4-H.  By the time he was off to college, the dairy herd had been sold as the farm evolved into hay production to keep in pace with changing agricultural markets.  

Ryck attended the University of Maine on a football scholarship, majoring in education.  During this time, he had the opportunity to play as a rookie on the Denver Broncos before returning to the University of Maine to finish his degree.  After graduation, he taught history at South Brunswick High School for two years before deciding to transition his career into the family insurance business, where he became a  full partner.  All the while, he continued farming.

In 2012, Ryck was elected president of the NJ Farm Bureau, a position he held for ten years. Over the course of his decade of service in this leadership role, he gave a voice to New Jersey agriculture, representing the needs and concerns of the farmers that elected him. Advocating for agriculture on a variety of issues at all levels of government, he helped to facilitate legislation that has had a favorable impact on agriculture in New Jersey.   He also participated in many formal visits with state legislators to familiarize newly elected officials with the challenges facing New Jersey farmers.  During this time, Ryck also held a seat for nine years on the board of directors of the American Farm Bureau in Washington.

Ryck has been a long-time member and supporter of the New Jersey Agricultural Society, serving on its Board of Trustees for several years.

Ryck has dedicated his life to keeping agriculture alive and well in New Jersey.  Under his management, Suydam Farms, along with field production now also offering rustic, elegant event space, continues to thrive by evolving in step with the times.  And benefiting from Ryck’s legacy of leadership, agriculture in New Jersey continues to thrive as well.    
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For his significant contributions to New Jersey agriculture, the New Jersey Agricultural Society is proud to present it’s 2025 President’s Award to Ryck Suydam. 

Tony Russo Farmers Marketing Award - Barlow’s Flower Farm

Barlow’s Flower Farm, known as “Barlow’s”, has been flourishing in Wall Township for over 40 years.  It all began in 1983 when founders Stephen and Leslie Barlow purchased the Sea Girt property, which included an 1807 farmhouse.   Operations began with one retail greenhouse, ten small growing greenhouses and a retail shop.  

With Stephen’s talent to grow exceptionally beautiful plants and Leslie’s artistic marketing skills, the business was off to a good start.  Early expansion focused on improving the growing facilities.  As sales continued to grow, the focus shifted to increasing the retail space. Many years, yet another production greenhouses was erected.

In 2004, two older greenhouses were removed to make room for a beautiful 10,000 sq ft European glass greenhouse and the number of growing greenhouses numbered twenty-eight.  

Specializing in propagating and cutting, Barlow’s produces up to 70% of the plants that they sell, using safe, sustainable practices. They are one of New Jersey’s largest growers of retail annuals.  They have continued to succeed against the competition of the big box stores by offering high quality, locally grown plants that will thrive in local conditions as well as exceptional, knowledgeable customer service.  Their lovely shop is a “feel good” destination for their customers.       

Barlow’s gratefully gives back to their community by supporting local fundraisers and many local organizations.  Barlow’s is a class trip destination for the second grade classes in Wall Township, who come to learn how plants grow.
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For their outstanding success in uniquely marketing farm products to the non-farm public, The New Jersey Agricultural Society is proud to present the 2025 Tony Russo Farmers Marketing Award to Barlow’s Flower Farm.
     

We had an incredible experience at the Advocacy and Legislative Leadership Day at The College of New Jersey, where we connected with Future Farmers of America (FFA) members and chapters from across the state. It was inspiring to witness so many young leaders engage with industry professionals, meet state legislators, and make their voices heard on the future of agriculture.

The 2025 New Jersey State Agricultural Convention & Trade Show, hosted by the Vegetable Growers Association of NJ, brought together farmers, agricultural leaders, and industry professionals for three days of learning, networking, and celebration in Atlantic City. The New Jersey Agricultural Society (NJAS) was proud to be a part of this annual gathering, engaging with attendees at our booth, highlighting our key programs, and hosting a special luncheon to honor outstanding members of the agricultural community.

​Honoring Excellence in Agriculture
One of the most meaningful moments of the luncheon was the presentation of the NJAS Agricultural Convention Awards, which recognize individuals and organizations making a lasting impact on New Jersey’s agricultural landscape.

• 🏆 Phil Alampi Industry Marketing Award – Grown in Monmouth
• Named after former NJ Secretary of Agriculture Phil Alampi, this award honors those who have significantly advanced agricultural marketing, promoting New Jersey-grown products. This year’s award was proudly accepted by John Ciufo, Director of the Monmouth County Division of Economic Development, with gratitude extended to team member Susan Folta for her dedication.
• 🥇 Neil Robson Farmers Against Hunger Award – A.T. Buzby Farm

In memory of the late Neil Robson’s unwavering commitment to food security, this award is given to those who have gone above and beyond in supporting the Farmers Against Hunger program. Andrew and Dawn Buzby of A.T. Buzby Farm accepted the award in recognition of their incredible efforts in feeding communities throughout New Jersey.​

NOFA-NJ’s 35th Annual Winter Conference was a fantastic success, bringing together farmers, advocates, and industry leaders for a day filled with energy, inspiration, and collaboration. Organized by NOFA-NJ and Executive Director Devin Cornia, the event was a vital space for emphasizing local food systems and advancing sustainable agriculture.