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.
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.
We couldn’t be more proud of Class XII and the leadership, innovation, and heart they’re bringing back to their farms, businesses, and communities.
Looking ahead, applications for NJALDP Class XIII are open through May 1st.
If you’re ready to grow your network, strengthen your voice, and shape the future of agriculture in New Jersey, we invite you to apply.
👉 Apply now for NJALDP Class XIII
Looking ahead, applications for NJALDP Class XIII are open through May 1st.
If you’re ready to grow your network, strengthen your voice, and shape the future of agriculture in New Jersey, we invite you to apply.
👉 Apply now for NJALDP Class XIII
