PLUMSTED – A ride through parts west in Ocean County features a far different landscape than sandy beaches or dense pine forests. Instead, acres and acres of sprawling farmland offer a taste of what makes New Jersey the Garden State.
Much of the picturesque scene comes with a promise as part of the Ocean County Natural Lands Trust Program. Twenty-five years ago, voters approved a 1.2 cent tax that provides funds for the acquisition of lands in Ocean County for conservation and farmland preservation.
“People need to know that when we buy this land, it will always be preserved,” said Commissioner Virginia “Ginny” Haines. “It can never be developed for any other purpose.”
The concept of living off the land means different things to the 58 farms that are preserved under the program. For some, growing and selling food crops acts as the mainstay for their livelihood. Ornamental plant growers and legendary stables are also on the list of preserved farms in Ocean County.
Plumsted’s dominance in the preservation program has earned it the distinction as Ocean County’s farm belt. Officials say the coastal divide makes a world of difference in the quality of the soil from sand or marshlands.
Last week, county officials invited the media to join in a tour of some of Plumsted’s preserved farmlands. Mayor Robert Bowen also came along for the visit.
Hallock’s U-Pick Farm was the first to become part the Farmland Preservation Program as far back as 1991. Located at 38 Fischer Road in New Egypt, the farm consists of a total of 269 acres. Those who want a fresh vegetable picking experience will need to bring along their own knives.
Fields are open daily although the owners suggest pickers call ahead if they’re looking for a particular crop. Just because a fruit or vegetable is available in the supermarket doesn’t mean it’s in season locally. A retail store on the premises offers a wide selection of already hand-picked delights.
The Hallock farm has been around for generations and is well invested in the preservation program. The late Doug Hallock once served as chairman as the Ocean County Agriculture Development Board. His daughter continues to run the farm – the only business she’s ever known.
According to Mark A.C. Villinger, a Supervising Planner with the Ocean County Department of Planning, one of the largest farms purchased under the program was the Grant Farm, which originally consisted of 282 acres.
“We purchased the Grant Farm in 2012 directly from the owner and the county became the owner of the farm,” Villinger shared. “We preserved it with the state.”
The state’s farmland preservation easement ensured the land would not be developed. Ocean County subsequently auctioned the land, which is now subdivided into two farms. Krowicki’s Farm Market, located at 862 Route 539 in New Egypt has 28.76 acres of the farmland.
Dennis Krowicki provided a tour of nearby fields that began with rows of different melons, including crenshaws and honeydews. An apple orchard set apart from the regular crops promises honeycrisps as a favorite variety.
“Anything you see growing here is done without any chemical fertilizers,” stressed Krowicki. “There’s no reason to use them.”
Pointing to a big dark pile in the distant field, Krowicki said he uses a Zoo Doo he gets from Six Flags. The compost blend likely consists of different animal manures collected from the animals in the amusement park’s safari exhibits.
Krowicki’s fields contain a variety of fruits and vegetables that will be picked and offered for sale inside the farm’s market. However, there’s one other distinction to this particular farm.
Away from the crops, horse lessons attract eager riders from afar. Krowicki said the farm also hosts riding shows.
Emery’s Farm, located at 346 Long Swamp Road in New Egypt became part of the farm preservation program in 2001. The 60-acre property includes 20 acres of blueberries alone. Visitors can pick blueberries or sunflowers depending on the time of year. The aroma of fresh baked goods hit the senses before the door to Emery’s Farm Country Bakery opens.
“The bakery is the largest in Ocean County,” said Bowen. “People come from everywhere to buy baked goods here.”
John Marchese, the owner of Emery’s Farm said he’s been in the farming industry for 22 years. The lack of rainfall has been one of this year’s challenges, as well as a low volume of blueberries in the industry. And, like everything else, increased costs and supply chain issues have added expenses.
At one time, Emery’s Farm featured a ten-acre corn maze. However, with inflation, Marchese decided the $5 admission fee could be a stretch for some families. He’s decided to shorten the corn maze and do something else.
“The open ground is now germination for a five-acre sunflower patch,” Marchese said. “We’re switching it up because the millennials with their phones will want to take pictures for five bucks each.”
Marchese pointed to another area of the farm where four varieties of pumpkins are planted. He said the drought also poses a dilemma for the pumpkins, which could potentially become a tough crop without water.
“We do plan to sell the farm in the next couple of years,” shared Marchese. “We already have three or four serious people who want to purchase it.”
While most appreciate the concept of supporting local businesses, many don’t realize that could still be the case when they’re shopping for flowers in big box stores.
MidAtlantic Growers, located at 6 Meadowbrook Lane in New Egypt, joined the preservation program in 2002. The 32.8-acre farm sells ornamental plants on a wholesale basis, generally in a 25-mile radius.
Owner Ron Harrison said he’s been in the farming business for many years. He takes a great deal of pride in his operation, as well as the people who work for him.
Before pointing out a field containing 60,000 mums, Harrison showed a small cutting to demonstrate how they begin. Mist plays an important role as far as watering the plants.
“All of a sudden they start to root,” Harrison explained. “We then plant them.”
Hot houses with temperatures of approximately 120 degrees currently hold colorful zinnias, ready to be shipped for stores to sell.
Like Marchese, Harrison noted increased costs have impacted his business. He admits that some of it just doesn’t make sense to him, using rising prices for plastic products as an example.
When Harrison first opened the farm, he had ten little greenhouses and his electric bill was over $1,000 a month. Now, MidAtlantic has 75 greenhouses, and the bill is down to $600.
“It’s all because of rollups I use, and the solar,” said Harrison.
Four different farms – four different approaches to using their land. Four different properties forever preserved as farmland.
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