On March 2nd, the New Jersey Agricultural Society held its annual gala at Indian Springs Country Club in Marlton, New Jersey. With 220 in attendance, the night featured a broad representation from the agriculture industry including members of the NJ legislature, Department of Agriculture, County Ag Boards, NJ Farm Bureau, Rutgers SEBS & Cooperative Extension, Vegetable Growers Association, FFA, and many others.
The night honored farms and individuals for their contributions to agriculture including Gold Medallion Award winner Jim Giamarese of Giamarese Farms on his many achievements on various boards and committees including his foundational work in shaping Farmers Against Hunger. Bill Hlubik and Bill Griffin (who traveled all the way from Louisiana) reflected on Jim's unyielding energy and humble approach to giving advice, counsel, and leadership on boards and committees throughout his career. Jim's remarks were passionate, inspiring, and reflective of his humility and grace. With Sue by his side, the celebration of both of their accomplishments were heartfelt and emotional for all those who attended. You can learn more about Jim Giamarese HERE.
Our two Century Farm Award winners included Stults Farm and Stella Farms for their families multi-generational commitment to farming in New Jersey. The innovative spirit needed for success in New Jersey was evidenced by each farm's adaptation to economic needs including changing of crops, embracing agritourism, and the building of a farm market. Additionally, both of these farms worked closely with their counties and Farmland Preservation funds to help continue their stewardship of the land and keep it GROWING. Brian Schilling, Director of the Rutgers Cooperative Extension, received the award on behalf of the Stults Family. Barbara Stella and her brother Ed received the award with support from Camden Board of Ag. Mike Ward reflected on Stella Farm's importance to the culture of Camden County and the legacy of the Stella family in this mostly urban and developed county. Barbara's remarks impressed the importance of supporting local farms and farm markets and the value of LOCAL, FRESH produce for consumers and the critical role farms play in the most densely populated state in the country. You can learn more about Stults and Stella Farm HERE.
The President's Award was given to Harbe Dan Farm and posthumously to Dan Farrand received by his sons Sam and Jim Farrand. Morris County Board of Ag member, Rebekah Alstede's remarks honored Dan's love and passion for farming followed by Sam's relationship with his father and the bond farming created between them while working in the fields. The Farrand Family has been farming in New Jersey for over 250 years and their farm was an important stop for the Continental Army as they made their way south towards Trenton during the Revolutionary War. You can learn more about Harbe Dan Farm HERE.
In addition to our awards, Assemblywoman Andea Katz from District 8 recognized each of our award winners with accommodations from the State of New Jersey.
Hosted by Board President, Joni Elliott and the NJAS Board of Trustees, the event also featured a silent auction, 50/50 raffle, and gift baskets from many supporters from across the state. All of these efforts raised funds to support our three programs including Farmers Against Hunger, Ag Education, and NJ Agricultural Leadership Development.
The gala was a big success raising almost 50% more revenue than the year prior based on the generous support of all those companies and individuals who placed an ad in our journal, attended the event, and contributed with their time, donations, and efforts. This evening would not of been possible without the great work and leadership of Chris Cirkus who chaired the event as well as our Presenting Sponsor, Belle Meade Garage's Kip Higgins and Chris Carnevale.
The night honored farms and individuals for their contributions to agriculture including Gold Medallion Award winner Jim Giamarese of Giamarese Farms on his many achievements on various boards and committees including his foundational work in shaping Farmers Against Hunger. Bill Hlubik and Bill Griffin (who traveled all the way from Louisiana) reflected on Jim's unyielding energy and humble approach to giving advice, counsel, and leadership on boards and committees throughout his career. Jim's remarks were passionate, inspiring, and reflective of his humility and grace. With Sue by his side, the celebration of both of their accomplishments were heartfelt and emotional for all those who attended. You can learn more about Jim Giamarese HERE.
Our two Century Farm Award winners included Stults Farm and Stella Farms for their families multi-generational commitment to farming in New Jersey. The innovative spirit needed for success in New Jersey was evidenced by each farm's adaptation to economic needs including changing of crops, embracing agritourism, and the building of a farm market. Additionally, both of these farms worked closely with their counties and Farmland Preservation funds to help continue their stewardship of the land and keep it GROWING. Brian Schilling, Director of the Rutgers Cooperative Extension, received the award on behalf of the Stults Family. Barbara Stella and her brother Ed received the award with support from Camden Board of Ag. Mike Ward reflected on Stella Farm's importance to the culture of Camden County and the legacy of the Stella family in this mostly urban and developed county. Barbara's remarks impressed the importance of supporting local farms and farm markets and the value of LOCAL, FRESH produce for consumers and the critical role farms play in the most densely populated state in the country. You can learn more about Stults and Stella Farm HERE.
The President's Award was given to Harbe Dan Farm and posthumously to Dan Farrand received by his sons Sam and Jim Farrand. Morris County Board of Ag member, Rebekah Alstede's remarks honored Dan's love and passion for farming followed by Sam's relationship with his father and the bond farming created between them while working in the fields. The Farrand Family has been farming in New Jersey for over 250 years and their farm was an important stop for the Continental Army as they made their way south towards Trenton during the Revolutionary War. You can learn more about Harbe Dan Farm HERE.
In addition to our awards, Assemblywoman Andea Katz from District 8 recognized each of our award winners with accommodations from the State of New Jersey.
Hosted by Board President, Joni Elliott and the NJAS Board of Trustees, the event also featured a silent auction, 50/50 raffle, and gift baskets from many supporters from across the state. All of these efforts raised funds to support our three programs including Farmers Against Hunger, Ag Education, and NJ Agricultural Leadership Development.
The gala was a big success raising almost 50% more revenue than the year prior based on the generous support of all those companies and individuals who placed an ad in our journal, attended the event, and contributed with their time, donations, and efforts. This evening would not of been possible without the great work and leadership of Chris Cirkus who chaired the event as well as our Presenting Sponsor, Belle Meade Garage's Kip Higgins and Chris Carnevale.
