This year's class is made up of a uniquely diverse and capable group of 15 students all looking to build and grow as leaders in the New Jersey agriculture industry. From the moment they gathered at Fernbrook Farm for the Summer Welcome, this class was noticably rich in talent, energy, and ideas. We are looking forward to journeying along with them as they learn through 10 Seminars, Visit DC, and adventure on an international trip. Welcome Class XII!!
Julia-Marie Cassidy is the viticulturist and winemaker for her family run farm, Salem Oak Vineyards. As a second generation farmer, she helped her family build the business from the ground up; planting every vine by hand! Throughout her childhood she was an active member of the Salem County 4H and FFA winning numerous awards and placing at nationals for public speaking. In 2014, She graduated from the Academy of Biological Sciences hosted by the Salem County Vocational Technical High School. Shortly after, she graduated with her degree in biochemistry from Salem Community College. While in school, Julia-Marie also graduated with her NJ Emergency Medical Technician license serving her community for the past decade. As an active member in the Garden State Wine Growers Association, her mission has been to help educate the public on the rapidly growing NJ wine regions; she’s passionate about her literal fruits of labor. Aside from the winery, she is the owner of a local chocolate company, Sweet Mary’s Exceptional Chocolates, and she is the head baker at her twin brother’s company, P City bakery. In her free time, Julia can be found traveling, hiking, fishing, or heering on the Philadelphia Union soccer team!
Sam Nichols is a New Jersey native that found his way back into agriculture after a short stint in education. Sam grew up throwing hay bales, running equipment, and doing all things on the farm. After realizing teaching wasn’t what he had in mind, Sam found his way to Blew Line Nursery. A bare root shrub producer that specializes in top tier plant production, Sam’s attention to detail and pride in his work was a perfect match. In his 6 years with Blew Line Nursery, Sam has taken on many new ideas and projects; the newest of which being drone spraying. When he isn’t on the farm, Sam enjoys camping and traveling with his girlfriend Katie and their 2 dogs, days on the water, and spending time with family and Friends.
Carmen Mondelli has had a lifelong appreciation for nature, and always feels at home on a farm. Since 2007, he has raised alpacas, cared for horses, picked crops, and was on the management team for an agritourism business. At age 17, he interned and lived at a CSA in Hunterdon County, learning organic farming practices. In 2014, Carmen enlisted in the United States Army. Following infantry training and Airborne School in Georgia, he spent two years in North Carolina in the John F. Kennedy Special Warfare Center and School.
Carmen returned to New Jersey, and in early 2018 walked onto Fernbrook Nursery with a resume. There, and at Rutgers Office of Continuing Education he began developing his skill set as an ornamental grower. He has been Fernbrook’s Greenhouse Manager since January 2020, continuing to grow his expertise, experience, and plants.
Carmen was elected Special Projects Officer (Fundraising Chair) for Class XII.
Carmen returned to New Jersey, and in early 2018 walked onto Fernbrook Nursery with a resume. There, and at Rutgers Office of Continuing Education he began developing his skill set as an ornamental grower. He has been Fernbrook’s Greenhouse Manager since January 2020, continuing to grow his expertise, experience, and plants.
Carmen was elected Special Projects Officer (Fundraising Chair) for Class XII.
Kimberly Dalton grew up in Sussex County, NJ enjoying the nature in the area. Although she didn’t grow up on a farm she has been in the agricultural community since the age of 14 starting her first job at a local produce stand. She attended Rutgers; The School of Environmental and Biological Sciences where she graduated in 2013 with a B.S. in Agricultural Sciences focused in Agroecology. During her time at Rutgers, she worked with the student run organic vegetable farm which began her passion and career in organic agriculture. After school she worked on different organic vegetable farms in northern NJ and operated her own farm for 3 years before transitioning her career to the USDA. With the USDA she works as a Soil Conservationist with the Natural Resource Conservation Service in the Hackettstown Service center servicing Northern NJ. She is passionate about assisting landowners and farmers to implement conservation practices on their land. In her free time, you can find Kimberly enjoying her garden, cooking, watching her two sons’ sports games, sitting on the beach, or enjoying a long hike. She also serves as the Secretary of Class XII.
Nick Adams, a New Jersey transplant, currently holds a managerial position at Helena Agri-Enterprises. Originally hailing from Georgia, Nick spent his formative years there in the south, including his education. He attended the University of Georgia, where he pursued a major in Turfgrass Management. Following his graduation, he assumed the role of superintendent at a prestigious private golf club in Atlanta. However, a pivotal decision occurred 11 years ago when he transitioned into the world of sales and then relocated to New Jersey four years ago. Over the course of those 11 years, Nick has provided assistance to a diverse range of customers, offering guidance on pesticides and fertilizer recommendations. His clientele encompasses golf course superintendents, ornamental nursery and greenhouse growers, lawn care operators, aquatic applicators, and others. Furthermore, Nick shoulders the responsibility of overseeing five other sales representatives in the Northeast/Mid-Atlantic regions for Helena. Beyond his professional life, Nick's passion for ornamental production is evident in his leisure activities. He can often be found tending to his garden or working on various yard projects. Nick resides in Mullica Hill with his wife and three children, and on weekends, he enjoys spending quality time at the ball field or on the golf course. More importantly than his career and hobbies, Nick actively participates in his local church, Fellowship Bible Church.
Lauren Lewis has always had a passion for agribusiness and graduated from Cameron University in Oklahoma with a bachelor’s degree in agriculture and a minor in business in 2016. Following college, she worked for a small bank before moving back home to the New Jersey region. Lewis joined Fulton in 2018 as a senior teller before joining its Management Trainee Program in 2021 where she joined the fast-paced team supporting underwriting and analysis needs for the PPP loan program during the pandemic. She completed two additional rotations – one with the United Way of York County as a Loaned Campaign Executive and another for a special internal audit project. Lauren was named the first relationship manager for Fulton Bank’s Agricultural Financial Services Group on Jan. 1 for the state of New Jersey. In this role, she will support production agriculture, equine agriculture, nursery, greenhouse and agri-business clients throughout the New Jersey region in managing and growing their business amid the industry’s unique challenges and complexities. This position represents a full-circle opportunity for Lewis, who studied agriculture and developed a parallel interest in financial services. This ultimately led her to Fulton Bank, where she learned about the bank’s growing agricultural department. Lewis joined Fulton in 2018 as a senior teller before joining its Management Trainee Program. Upon completion of the program, she accepted a position as a credit analyst within the bank. Lewis holds a bachelor’s degree in agriculture from Cameron University. She is currently enrolled in the MBA program at American Public University.
Dana Ronyack-Davis works at Stony Hill Farms in Chester, NJ; a family run farm that grows fruits and vegetables, hosts agritourism events, and is a full-service floral shop with greenhouses housing orchids, annuals, and house plants. After graduating Delaware Valley University with a degree in Agronomy and Environmental Science Dana worked for one year for North Jersey Resource Conservation and Development Council as the Agricultural Outreach Specialist until her future husband's farm offered her a position as manager of their home farm market where she has been since 2007. Besides work Dana spends her time chasing after her three small children. She is excited to be part of class XII and cannot wait to advance her leadership skills and advocate for the industry she loves.
Amanda Wenczel Arians is the Aquaculture Specialist with the New Jersey Department of Agriculture (NJDA), serving in that role since early 2015. Amanda has her bachelor’s degree from Smith College, master’s in marine policy from the University of Delaware, and Ph.D. from Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey. During her tenure with the NJDA, Amanda has assisted the state’s aquatic farmers to overcome obstacles with protected species permit conditions, streamline the application process for a new permit, amend the right to farm legislation to better serve the shellfish sector, and liaise between industry and State staff to overcome pandemic challenges. Now looking to take on more responsibility within the Department, Amanda is eager to expand her budding knowledge of agriculture within New Jersey and the challenges facing our farming communities. When not in the office, Amanda spends time outside with her nature-loving dog Griffin, road-tripping with her husband Ernie, or trying a new recipes in the kitchen.
Nate Lucas Is a second-generation farmer at his family’s farm Lucas Greenhouses in Monroeville. During high school Nate worked part time learning the business from the ground up. He then got his bachelor’s degree in business management and graduated in 2013. Since then, Nate has managed the greenhouse construction projects, handles purchasing, and helps with the daily operations of the business.
Nate also serves on the Gloucester County Board of Agriculture and serves on the local township committee. When not found at the greenhouse, Nate can be found spending time with his family outside.
Nate also serves on the Gloucester County Board of Agriculture and serves on the local township committee. When not found at the greenhouse, Nate can be found spending time with his family outside.
Jamie Specca is the Assistant Nursery Manager at Centerton Nursery in Bridgeton, NJ. Jamie grew up working in her father's retail nursery in Burlington County, where she developed a love for horticulture. Jamie graduated from Delaware Valley University in 2022 with a Bachelor's Degree in Agriculture Education. Jamie is passionate about agriculture in the Garden State and educating others about the industry. After two years serving as a State Officer for the New Jersey State FFA Association, Jamie is seeking to develop herself as a leader and industry professional as she enters her first career with Centerton Nursery. In her free time, Jamie enjoys spending time at the beach and skiing in the Poconos while spending time with friends and family.
Dr. Douglas Zemeckis serves as a County Agent II (Associate Professor) with Rutgers Cooperative Extension. He is based in the Ocean County Extension Office, where he also serves as the County Extension Department Head, and he also serves clientele in Atlantic and Monmouth Counties by conducting educational programming and applied research related to commercial and recreational fisheries, shellfish aquaculture, and marine resources management. Doug is originally from Edison in Middlesex County, but he spent much of his summers while growing up at the Jersey Shore in Ocean County. After earning a bachelor's degree in Marine Sciences from Rutgers University, he attended graduate school at the University of Massachusetts-Dartmouth where he earned a PhD in Marine Science and Technology. Doug utilizes his knowledge in multiple marine science disciplines to work with local stakeholders in support of the development and sustainability of New Jersey's fishing and aquaculture industries, as well as the sustainability and management of marine resources and ecosystems.
Ashley Asdal owns and runs Riamede Farm in Chester, the state's first pick-your-own apple orchard. After growing up in Chester, she graduated from the US Naval Academy in 2009 and Harvard's Kennedy School of Government in 2011. As a naval officer, she led units of more than 300 people on carrier strike group deployments across the globe, winning numerous personal and unit awards. After spending eleven years on active duty service in the Navy, she is now applying her leadership and problem-solving skills to growing beautiful apples and pumpkins for her you-pick customers. She has won grants from the American Farmland Trust, Rutgers, Penn State, and NRCS to improve the quality of both her business and farm products and contribute to cutting-edge orchard science. Locally, she has worked to open her farm up to the community with barn dances, public classes, and other events. She also supports the Morris County 4-H program. When she's not helping customers, you can find her on the farm's 72-inch mower with her 2-year-old son.
Sean Pizzio works within the Stewardship section of the State Agriculture Development Committee (SADC) which administers the New Jersey Farmland Preservation Program. In this capacity, he assists farm owners and operators with post-closing requests such as house replacements, division of premises, special occasion events, and all other activities on preserved farmland that require Committee approval.
Prior to his current position, Sean graduated from Rutgers University with a Bachelor of Science in Environmental Planning. His agricultural-focused career began in 2017, serving as staff to the Monmouth County Agricultural Development Board. During the next five years his work focused on the preservation of farmland, the Right to Farm Act, and assisting farmers on stewardship matters throughout the county.
One of Sean’s main goals is to significantly contribute to the collective goal of ensuring the viability of agriculture in New Jersey through the continued preservation of farmland and providing resources to safeguard the economic sustainability of farms in the state.
Prior to his current position, Sean graduated from Rutgers University with a Bachelor of Science in Environmental Planning. His agricultural-focused career began in 2017, serving as staff to the Monmouth County Agricultural Development Board. During the next five years his work focused on the preservation of farmland, the Right to Farm Act, and assisting farmers on stewardship matters throughout the county.
One of Sean’s main goals is to significantly contribute to the collective goal of ensuring the viability of agriculture in New Jersey through the continued preservation of farmland and providing resources to safeguard the economic sustainability of farms in the state.
Keri Brodhecker is currently a key farmer and the wife of Phil Brodhecker at Brodhecker Farm in Newton NJ. Keri spent many years searching for where she really belonged. She spent 15 years as a certified Vet Tech, 4 more years as a pipe welder, and 6 as a professional truck driver (primarily in concrete). Having a small flock of back yard chickens led Keri to purchase a 7 acre property in Vernon to pursue her lifetime dream of being a farmer. Finally finding a home in Agricultural, at Brodhecker farm. Primarily responsible for a heard of beef cattle, flock of sheep, chickens and a high density apple orchard. She also spends many hours helping educate clients in their management practices to enable future farmers growth in their own farms. You will often find her loyal pack of dogs following her as she tends to all that is needed on the farm.
Ash C. Dunlevy is a proud employee of the USDA. Working within the Farm Service Agency, he is currently the Farm Loan Officer in the Columbus office, serving producers in central New Jersey and all across the state. Though his interest in agriculture extends to an early age, he got his formal start in agriculture as a student at Rutgers University. There, he had the opportunity to obtain a breadth of experience, working with the hazelnut breeding program and having the chance to assist with the Rutgers Beginner Farmer Training Program, while also working at a family-owned farm in Colts Neck. After graduation, he began working with the Farm Service Agency as a Program Technician at the Hackettstown office, before accepting his current position. Outside of agriculture, his interests include cooking, the outdoors, and old books.
About NJALDP
The NJALDP is a two-year program, designed and hosted in collaboration with Rutgers University. Participants engage in seminars, meetings, discussions, and experiential educational/travel, studying key topics related to agriculture and leadership. Students also participate in community service projects, team fundraisers, and public speaking events, which provide hands-on opportunities to practice their leadership skills. The program's curriculum and experiences provide participants with the tools they need to become informed, articulate leaders, who can help advance the state’s agricultural industry and speak to the importance of agriculture beyond our state. The program schedule, which highlights on-site tours, captivating speakers, and meetings with government officials and business leaders, includes residential seminars at locations across NJ, a travel seminar to Washington, D.C., and an international trip. The experiential education/ travel component is central to giving practical meaning and significance to the classroom instructional component for participants. Since the inception of the program in 1995, more than 240 individuals have participated in the NJALDP, many of whom have gone on to serve on county, state, and national agricultural boards.
To learn more, email us at [email protected]
The NJALDP is a two-year program, designed and hosted in collaboration with Rutgers University. Participants engage in seminars, meetings, discussions, and experiential educational/travel, studying key topics related to agriculture and leadership. Students also participate in community service projects, team fundraisers, and public speaking events, which provide hands-on opportunities to practice their leadership skills. The program's curriculum and experiences provide participants with the tools they need to become informed, articulate leaders, who can help advance the state’s agricultural industry and speak to the importance of agriculture beyond our state. The program schedule, which highlights on-site tours, captivating speakers, and meetings with government officials and business leaders, includes residential seminars at locations across NJ, a travel seminar to Washington, D.C., and an international trip. The experiential education/ travel component is central to giving practical meaning and significance to the classroom instructional component for participants. Since the inception of the program in 1995, more than 240 individuals have participated in the NJALDP, many of whom have gone on to serve on county, state, and national agricultural boards.
To learn more, email us at [email protected]
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