Celebrating Women’s History Month: Elizabeth Coleman White, Mary Engle Pennington, and the Women of Alstede Farms
March is Women’s History Month, a time to celebrate the groundbreaking contributions of women throughout history. This month also coincides with International Women’s Day, a global celebration that brings awareness to women’s rights and equality, recognizing the achievements of women worldwide. It’s the perfect opportunity to spotlight women in agriculture, whose dedication and hard work ensure we have healthy, nutritious food on our tables.
This year, we honor Elizabeth Coleman White and Mary Engle Pennington—two remarkable women whose pioneering work revolutionized agriculture and food safety. We also celebrate the women of Alstede Farms, whose leadership continues to shape the future of farming today.
Elizabeth Coleman White: The Blueberry Pioneer
Born in 1871 in New Jersey, Elizabeth Coleman White forever changed the agriculture industry with her groundbreaking work in blueberry cultivation. Inspired by the wild blueberries growing in the Pine Barrens, she collaborated with USDA botanist Dr. Frederick Coville to cultivate the first domesticated blueberries. This innovation launched a global blueberry industry, making the fruit more accessible and helping to transform farming in New Jersey.
As the co-founder of the New Jersey Blueberry Cooperative Association and the first woman in the American Cranberry Association, Elizabeth’s influence on farming in New Jersey and beyond is immeasurable. Her legacy is felt by every blueberry farmer today, and each time you enjoy fresh blueberries, you can thank Elizabeth for her pioneering work.
Mary Engle Pennington: A Trailblazer in Food Safety
Mary Engle Pennington, born in 1872, revolutionized food safety with her work in refrigeration. A scientist and bacteriological chemist, Pennington’s contributions led to the development of refrigeration standards that transformed the way perishable foods were stored and transported. Her work directly contributed to public health by reducing spoilage and preventing foodborne illnesses.
As the first female lab chief at the USDA, Pennington also played a crucial role in the Pure Food and Drug Act of 1906, ensuring safer food handling practices. Her legacy lives on every time you open your fridge to grab fresh dairy or produce—thanks to Mary, we can safely store and enjoy food.
The Women of Alstede Farms: Leaders in Agriculture Today
International Women’s Day is also a time to celebrate the women leading today’s agricultural industry, such as the senior management team at Alstede Farms. This hardworking team has cultivated a leadership group of thoughtful, smart, and enterprising women farmers who are shaping the future of farming.
At Alstede Farms, we recognize the significant contributions of women like Mary Thompson-Alstede, Trish Cirelli, Rebekah A. Alstede, and Sarah J. Alstede—each of whom plays a pivotal role in farm operations, food production, CSA distribution, animal welfare, and educational tours.
Mary Thompson-Alstede is the special projects manager and co-owner at Alstede Farms and plays an essential role in overseeing many aspects of farm operations, human resources, and office management. Her agricultural roots run deep, as her maternal grandmother farmed just a mile down the road from Alstede Farms. Mary’s leadership and dedication to the farm make her an invaluable part of the team.
Trish Cirelli has been working on the farm since she was a teenager in middle school, gaining extensive experience in farm production, customer service, and retail. As the Assistant Manager of CSA and Farm Experiences, she oversees tailgates, produce, and CSA distribution. Trish plays a key role in ensuring that guests have plenty to see, do, and interact with when they visit the farm, creating an engaging and memorable experience for all. Known as “the fixer,” she is also celebrated for her ability to solve everyday challenges and keep everything running smoothly.
Rebekah A. Alstede and Sarah J. Alstede, sisters and now co-owners of Alstede Farms (a majority women-owned business), are leading the charge in shaping the future of the farm. Rebekah, who graduated with a degree in agribusiness and sustainable agriculture from Delaware Valley University, has spent her life working alongside her family and gaining valuable hands-on experience. As co-owners, Rebekah and Sarah are continuing their father’s legacy while infusing the farm with fresh ideas, education, and technology to ensure its growth and success for generations to come.
Rebekah’s passion for regenerative agriculture ensures that the farm continues to innovate growing healthy food while ensuring the land is preserved for future generations. On the farm, she can often be found working as an Assistant Production Manager or on a tractor.
Sarah, a graduate of Centenary University with a degree in equine studies, has been closely involved with Alstede Farms throughout her life. As co-owner and Assistant Retail Operations Manager, Sarah is a key figure in the farm’s success, collaborating with her sister and their team to ensure seamless operations. Her passion for farm animals, particularly horses, is evident as she works alongside the veterinary team to maintain the health and well-being of the farm’s livestock. In addition to her animal care responsibilities, Sarah is committed to providing guests with access to the fresh, healthy produce her family grows, while also training the team to deliver top-notch customer service and maintain the farm’s high standards.
These women—along with many others—are driving the future of agriculture, ensuring that Alstede Farms continues to provide fresh, healthy food while educating future generations about farming.
March: A Time to Celebrate Agriculture
March is also National Agricultural Month, and National Ag Day falls on March 21st. This is the perfect time to reflect on the importance of farmers and their contributions to the food system. Farmers work tirelessly to grow food, feed people, and maintain the health of the land. Their efforts strengthen local economies and create jobs for communities. As we celebrate Women’s History Month, let’s also take a moment to appreciate the hard work of the women in agriculture who continue to make a lasting impact on the world.
Thank you for supporting farmers and their ongoing efforts to grow food, feed people, and preserve the land.
