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Executive Director’s Blog

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Last week New Jersey Farm Bureau forwarded a concise summary of the legal objections to the draft SPS standard for farmland preservation deeds to the State Board of Agriculture. The statement cites the frail legal justification for retroactively imposing regulatory requirements on existing preserved farm owners. It was co-signed by four of the leading attorneys who practice ag law in the state.

Click here to read the summary

In Memoriam: Dan Farrand

12 Feb 2024, Posted by admin in News, State News

Dan Farrand, longtime Morris County farmer nd active farm organization leader, died February 8 after a long illness. Dan was a stalwart farmer and champion of agriculture, taking over the family farm business in Long Valley from his father Harold that pre-dated the days of the American Revolution. Past member of the State Board of Agriculture and Farm Bureau director for many years, he was rock solid in speaking on behalf of fellow farmers throughout his adulthood. We mourn his passing and express deep condolences to his wife Janet and family.

Dan’s Life Celebration will include a visitation on Saturday February 17, 2024 from 11am – 3pm at the William J. Leber Funeral Home (908) 879-3090, 15 Furnace Road, Chester, NJ 07930. A Funeral Service will begin at 3pm and will conclude all services for Dan. Interment will be held privately by his family.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Newark Beth Israel Medical Center Heart Transplant Program, 201 Lyons Avenue, Newark, NJ 07112.

Memorial page and additional details can be found here.

The week of December 4 may be the busiest week of the year for deer hunters:

  • Six-day Firearm deer hunting season opens Monday, Dec. 4
  • Permit Bow season continues in many zones
  • Permit Shotgun and Permit Muzzleloader seasons are open for antlerless deer only in a limited number of zones

Don’t miss out on some of the best deer hunting anywhere!

Owen Pool, longtime Gloucester County farmer and former NJFB treasurer for many years, died October 31, 2023. Owen was the victim in a tragic motor vehicle accident near his farm.  Owen volunteered countless hours as a Farm Bureau leader and volunteer, as did his late wife Beth who was very active with the NJFB Women’s Committee. 

Owen had a great gift of service to fellow farmers and others – he will be greatly missed.

Relatives and Friends may visit from 10:30am to 12:30pm on Sunday, November 26th at the Elmer Grange #26, 535 Daretown Road, Elmer, NJ where a memorial service will be held at 12:30pm. As an expression of sympathy, contributions can be made to NJ Farm Bureau, Gladys (Beth) & Owen Pool Ag Education Scholarship Fund, 168 W. State Street, Trenton, NJ 08608.

Click here to view the complete obituary for Owen.

Despite challenges, state’s farms are ‘still going strong’ thanks to innovations

The basics:

  • Agriculture is New Jersey’s third-largest industry, generating approximately $1.5 billion in annual revenue.
  • The industry is facing challenges such as a tough regulatory environment, high operating costs, competition and unpredictable weather conditions.
  • Small and mid-sized farms around the state are embracing agritourism as a means to add value to their products and attract consumers.

Click here to read the full story from NJBIZ.