During the 3rd week of January, we were proud to spend several days in Atlantic City for the Northeast Ag Expo at Harrah’s, hosted by the Vegetable Growers Association of New Jersey. The Expo is one of the largest and most important agricultural gatherings in the region, bringing together farmers, educators, industry leaders, and partners from across the state and beyond.
From the moment we stepped onto the trade show floor, it was clear just how much innovation, knowledge, and “Jersey grit” was packed into one room. The Expo showcased the incredible breadth of today’s agricultural industry — from seed and crop protection to equipment, irrigation, greenhouses, composting, technology and robotics, packaging, energy, insurance, labor support, education, and state and federal agricultural programs.
Walking the floor meant real conversations with people who truly understand farming. Whether growers were exploring ways to upgrade equipment, improve yields, learn about new technologies, talk financing or labor solutions, or dive into sustainability and conservation programs, the Expo offered practical tools and ideas that can be taken straight back to the farm.
We were especially glad to connect with so many of our partners and friends across the agricultural community, including fellow organizations, researchers, educators, and service providers who play such a vital role in supporting New Jersey agriculture. Events like the Northeast Ag Expo remind us just how interconnected this ecosystem is — and how much stronger it becomes when everyone comes together in one place.
One of the highlights of the Expo for us was congratulating Edward D. Wengryn on his reappointment as New Jersey’s Secretary of Agriculture, along with the many other appointees recognized during the event. We were also honored to hear from Temple Grandin, whose keynote was a real standout of the Expo.
Temple Grandin is widely respected for her work in animal behavior and livestock handling, and for helping improve animal welfare practices across the agricultural industry. As a professor of animal science at Colorado State University, her research and facility designs have influenced how producers think about humane livestock systems and animal-centered farm design. Her talk touched on leadership, innovation, and the importance of observation and problem-solving in agriculture — a thoughtful reminder of how science and practical farming continue to shape the future of the industry.
Above all, the Expo reinforced what we already know to be true: New Jersey agriculture is diverse, forward-thinking, and full of passionate people who care deeply about the future of farming in our state.
From the moment we stepped onto the trade show floor, it was clear just how much innovation, knowledge, and “Jersey grit” was packed into one room. The Expo showcased the incredible breadth of today’s agricultural industry — from seed and crop protection to equipment, irrigation, greenhouses, composting, technology and robotics, packaging, energy, insurance, labor support, education, and state and federal agricultural programs.
Walking the floor meant real conversations with people who truly understand farming. Whether growers were exploring ways to upgrade equipment, improve yields, learn about new technologies, talk financing or labor solutions, or dive into sustainability and conservation programs, the Expo offered practical tools and ideas that can be taken straight back to the farm.
We were especially glad to connect with so many of our partners and friends across the agricultural community, including fellow organizations, researchers, educators, and service providers who play such a vital role in supporting New Jersey agriculture. Events like the Northeast Ag Expo remind us just how interconnected this ecosystem is — and how much stronger it becomes when everyone comes together in one place.
One of the highlights of the Expo for us was congratulating Edward D. Wengryn on his reappointment as New Jersey’s Secretary of Agriculture, along with the many other appointees recognized during the event. We were also honored to hear from Temple Grandin, whose keynote was a real standout of the Expo.
Temple Grandin is widely respected for her work in animal behavior and livestock handling, and for helping improve animal welfare practices across the agricultural industry. As a professor of animal science at Colorado State University, her research and facility designs have influenced how producers think about humane livestock systems and animal-centered farm design. Her talk touched on leadership, innovation, and the importance of observation and problem-solving in agriculture — a thoughtful reminder of how science and practical farming continue to shape the future of the industry.
Above all, the Expo reinforced what we already know to be true: New Jersey agriculture is diverse, forward-thinking, and full of passionate people who care deeply about the future of farming in our state.
Gathering Together at the NJAS Luncheon
Following the Expo, we were thrilled to gather again with so many members of the agricultural community at the NJAS Luncheon — and we’re still smiling after such a meaningful afternoon!
We were grateful to be joined by our members, partners, NJALDP alumni, and friends of New Jersey agriculture. The room was filled with conversation, laughter, and a shared sense of pride in the work being done across our state.
We were grateful to be joined by our members, partners, NJALDP alumni, and friends of New Jersey agriculture. The room was filled with conversation, laughter, and a shared sense of pride in the work being done across our state.
| A special highlight of the luncheon was celebrating this year’s award winners: Farm on the Point and Holland Ridge Farms. We were honored to recognize their energy, creativity, and dedication, and the important contributions they continue to make to New Jersey agriculture. We also want to extend a big thank you to NJALDP Class XIII for running our 50/50 raffle and bringing such great energy to the event. One particularly special moment came when Justine Gray, Mercer County Horticulturist with Rutgers Cooperative Extension and an NJALDP graduate, won the raffle and generously donated her winnings back to the class to support their upcoming educational trips — a perfect example of the spirit of leadership and giving back that defines this program. Thank you as well to our board, partners, presenters, sponsors, volunteers, and everyone who continues to support our mission. We are deeply grateful to our sponsors who help make this work possible, including Farm Credit East, the New Jersey Department of Agriculture, and the New Jersey Farm Bureau. | |
Days like these — from the energy of the Northeast Ag Expo to the warmth of our annual luncheon — remind us how strong and connected New Jersey agriculture truly is, and how much we can accomplish when we come together as a community.