At Alstede Farms in Chester, New Jersey, farming is a year-round commitment — not only in the fields, but in continued education, leadership, and industry engagement. In early 2026, our farmers attended three major agricultural conferences to stay informed on policy, production advancements, sustainability practices, and emerging trends shaping the future of farming.
By participating in national and regional grower events, we ensure our Morris County farm remains progressive, responsible, and aligned with the evolving needs of agriculture and our community.
American Farm Bureau Convention – Anaheim, California
In January, our team attended the 107th American Farm Bureau Federation (AFBF) Convention, held January 9–14, 2026, in Anaheim, CA. This national convention serves as the leading voice of agriculture in Washington, D.C., bringing together farmers, ranchers, agribusiness leaders, and policymakers from across the United States.
The convention provides insight into agricultural policies and legislative priorities that directly impact farms in New Jersey and across the country. Featured speakers included U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins along with congressional agriculture leaders, offering perspectives on federal policy, food production, and the future of American farming.
Educational workshops focused on:
- Agricultural policy and advocacy
- Leadership development
- Business strategy for farms
- Emerging trends in food production
- Innovation and technology in agriculture
The national trade show showcased cutting-edge equipment, products, and services designed to support farm operations and strengthen agricultural networks.
Attending this convention allows us to better understand the policy landscape that influences local farming in Chester, NJ — from conservation programs to food safety regulations and agricultural funding.
2026 Northeast Agricultural Expo – Atlantic City, NJ
Closer to home, our farmers also participated in the 2026 Northeast Agricultural Expo in Atlantic City, New Jersey. Organized by Rutgers Cooperative Extension and the Vegetable Growers Association of New Jersey, this statewide event brings together agricultural professionals from across NJ and the Northeast.
Sessions covered critical topics for New Jersey growers, including:
- Vegetable and field crop production
- Tree fruit and small fruit management
- Soil health and cover cropping
- Environmental stewardship
- Integrated Pest Management (IPM)
- On-farm food safety and pesticide safety
- Agricultural marketing and technology
A keynote presentation by renowned animal scientist Dr. Temple Grandin drew strong attendance from farmers, educators, 4-H members, and FFA students across the region.
The expo also offered NJDEP Pesticide Applicator Recertification Credits, reinforcing our commitment to responsible and safe farming practices in Morris County.
Mid-Atlantic Fruit & Vegetable Convention – Hershey, PA
Our team also attended the Mid-Atlantic Fruit & Vegetable Convention in Hershey, Pennsylvania — one of the premier grower meetings in the Northeast. With more than 2,000 fruit and vegetable growers in attendance, the convention covers nearly every aspect of commercial production, including orchard management, berry production, greenhouse growing, crop protection, and farm marketing.
A large trade show featuring more than 160 exhibitors showcased advancements in:
- Seed and fruit varieties
- Horticultural equipment
- Packaging and farm market merchandising
- Pest management tools
- Production technology
The knowledge gained from this convention directly benefits our fruit and vegetable production here at Alstede Farms in Chester, NJ.
Why This Matters for Our New Jersey Customers
Agriculture is constantly evolving — from federal policy and environmental regulations to pest pressures and consumer expectations. By engaging in national and regional conferences, Alstede Farms stays ahead of industry trends, ensuring we continue to:
- Improve sustainable farming practices
- Protect soil and natural resources
- Maintain high food safety standards
- Strengthen integrated pest management strategies
- Introduce innovative crop varieties
- Support responsible agricultural advocacy
For our customers in Chester, Morris County, and Northern New Jersey, this means greater transparency, improved growing practices, and continued investment in the future of local agriculture.
Farming doesn’t stop when harvest ends — and neither does learning. Our commitment to ongoing education ensures that we continue to grow responsibly and serve our community with high-quality, locally grown food.
Visit us at Alstede Farms in Chester, NJ, or learn more about our farm market and CSA at www.alstedefarms.com.
