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.
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.