Growing for Good: Alstede Farms’ 2025 Year in Review
Looking back on 2025, one phrase truly defines the year: Growing for Good. Beyond the crops in our fields, this season was about bringing people closer to their food, providing healthy meals for families, and cultivating a community rooted in care and connection.
A Season of Growth and Resilience
The growing season had its challenges, beginning with a rainy spring that quickly gave way to periods of drought. Despite the unpredictable weather, the year was a success. We met many of our growing goals, experimented with new crops—most notably pimento peppers, grown by popular demand—and once again harvested our trusted staples, including sweet corn, potatoes, beans, tomatoes, eggplant, and peppers, all contributing toward our annual goal of 250 varieties of fruits and vegetables.
We also brought in a strong harvest of winter squashes, root vegetables, and dried beans, ensuring families across New Jersey have access to fresh, local produce even through the colder months. Our high tunnels played a crucial role, allowing us to harvest early produce as early as April for our CSA members and extend the season into fall.
Celebrating Community Milestones
2025 was full of meaningful milestones:
- 15th Year of the CSA Program: Connecting families directly to our farm with weekly boxes of fresh produce.
- Cut-Your-Own Christmas Trees: Back for the second year, delighting families in Chester and surrounding communities.
- Pick-Your-Own Fields: Families from Chester, Mendham, and beyond visited to enjoy hands-on experiences with farm-fresh crops.
- Farm-to-Table Events: Brunches and breakfasts highlighted our homegrown produce and the joy of sharing meals together.
Leadership That Guides Our Growth
We are proud of our dedicated leadership team—Rebekah and Sarah Alstede, alongside Mary Thompson-Alstede—under the guidance of seasoned farmer Kurt W. Alstede. Together, the next generation continues to carry the farm forward with care, intention, and vision, positioning this minority women-owned farm for continued success.
Serving Our Local and Regional Community
Across our four locations—Chester and Jefferson Farm Markets & Stores, seasonal Bridgewater farm stand, and seasonal Chester/Mendham farm stand—and at 19 participating farmers’ markets throughout New Jersey, we remained committed to providing fresh, local food.
Even in winter, our Chester farm store and Jefferson/Wharton farm market remain open year-round, offering fresh-baked bread, homemade soups, grab-and-go items, and more.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where can I pick my own produce at Alstede Farms?
You can visit our pick-your-own fields at Chester and Mendham locations, seasonal Bridgewater farm stand, and seasonal Chester/Mendham farm stand, or find us at 19 farmers’ markets throughout New Jersey.
What crops are available throughout the year?
In 2025, we grew sweet corn, potatoes, beans, tomatoes, eggplant, and peppers, along with winter squashes, root vegetables, and dried beans. Seasonal crops are available for CSA members and at our farm stores year-round.
How can I join the CSA program?
Our CSA program connects families directly to the farm. Sign up online to receive weekly boxes of fresh, local produce delivered or picked up at our farm locations.
What special events does Alstede Farms host?
We host farm-to-table breakfasts and brunches, cut-your-own Christmas tree events, and many seasonal activities that bring families together around fresh food and farm experiences.
Is Alstede Farms a minority women-owned farm?
Yes! Our farm is led by Rebekah and Sarah Alstede, along with Mary Thompson-Alstede, and guided by Kurt W. Alstede, making us a minority women-owned farm committed to sustainable agriculture and community connection.
Looking Ahead
Thank you for trusting us to feed your family with fresh, local produce and for being part of our growing farm community. We have so much in store for 2026—stay tuned and follow us on social media for updates as we grow into the new year.
