Class XII Summer Welcome

8/18/2023

Celebration at Fernbrook Farms

New Jersey Agricultural Society, in partnership with NJ Farm Bureau, Rutgers, and the Department of Agriculture welcomed in the NJALDP Class XII with a farm tour of Fernbrook Farms led by owner, Larry Kuser. Thereafter, Class Program Leader and Director, Dr. Karen Plumely met with the the class to outline expectations, curriculum, & logistics for the upcoming 2 year program beginning in September. Thereafter, the class was greeted by alumni and NJAS Board Members at a cocktail reception and dinner.

The reconnections of alumni to the new class and amongst themselves kept the evening energized and welcoming to everyone. Steve Lee,(Class VI), Joe Atchinson (Class VII), and Lisa Specca (Class II) provided insights and advice to the incoming class including:

The Network of your class will last throughout your career in agriculture.
Be active and involved in the Class. Showing up is only part of the equation
Leverage the alumni to help build and grow your career. We are all in this together.

Allen Carter, President of NJ Farm Bureau (Class III), Amy Ordog, NJALDP Committee Chair (Class VIII), Donna Bouchelle, Vice President, NJ Ag Society, David DeFrange, Past President, NJ State Board of Agriculture (Class 10) Joe Atchison, Assistant Secretary of Agriculture (Class VII), & Brian Schilling, Director Rutgers Cooperative Extension were among dozens of alumnus and NJAS Members who welcomed in Class XII.