Dear EscapeMakers -- This past spring, the US Department of Agriculture released results from the 2017 Farm Census, which is taken every five years. For the first time, the survey allowed farming families to list more than one “principal” farmer. Couples who own farms no longer must designate one person—usually a husband—as the principal farmer. As a result, women as a percent of farmers has risen by 26% nationwide and by 36% in New Jersey. Some of this increase may be real—more women involved in farming than in 2012. But most of it is surely due to the methodology change, which finally gives women credit for their work in agriculture. That means many of New Jersey’s women farmers are working the soil, feeding livestock, and .... story contiinued over on DiscoverCentralNJ.com

In the meantime, you can support these innovative, hard working, resilient women by visiting their farms, farm markets, farm stands or dining in farm-to-table restaurants or farm-to-fork events where their foods are sourced.

Here are 11 women in Central New Jersey who deserve our praise for their tireless work to put food on our table. Download the NEW agritourism map over at DiscoverCentralNJ.com and start planning your farm escape! If you're car-less, many of these are just a quick cab ride away from the nearest bus or train stop via NJ Transit or Transbridge Bus (New Brunswick, Frenchtown, Somerville, Princeton) with service from NYC.


1. Nina White - Farmer & Master Baker
Bobolink Dairy Farm & Bakehouse
Milford, NJ Nina White operates this multi-faceted regenerative farm along with her husband Jonathan. Nina heads the wood-fired bakery, while working with Jonathan to run their cheese, beef, and whey-fed pork production. In addition to making bread and pastries with heirloom grains in a wood-fired oven and selling all of their products at farmer's markets in the NYC metro area, they offer 1-hour farm tours, on farm special events and concerts, hands-on breadmaking, cheesemaking and charcuterie classes. www.cowsoutside.com

2. Anna Reinalda - Dairy Manager
Cherry Grove Farm
Lawrence Township, NJ
Anna Reinalda focuses on Cherry Grove Farm's cows, milking and working with the animals. Farm visitors can hang out with the dairy herd in the milking parlor and creamery, where they can watch the cheese makers in action. Shop in the farm store, sample cheeses, and learn about locally-sourced and artisan-made products, from honey to mustard, chutney to cheeseboards. They have a picnic area, vegetable and flower gardens, and animals wandering about doing what they do best - cows grazing, calves gamboling, cats lazing in the sun, or goats trying to eat your sweater. The farm offers tours, group and private cheese classes, and space for team building events. www.cherrygrovefarm.com

3. Jess Niederer - Farmer
Chickadee Creek Farm
Titisville, NJ
Jess Niederer was named 2016 Young Farmer of the Year and heads the Mercer County Board of Agriculture. She is a 4th genearation farmer and Cornelly University alumnus. While it isn't open to the public, Chickadee Creek does offer a CSA and sells strawberries, snap peas, spinach, beans, beets, arugula, fennel, kale, lettuce, salad mix, mesclun mix, baby ginger, peppers, potatoes, brussel sprouts, onions, garlic, cabbage, scallions, swiss chard, pea shoots, squash, boc choy, winter squash, summer squash, cauliflower, carrots, raspberries, blackberries, tomatoes, cucumbers, herbs, rutabaga, ground cherries, watermelon, cantaloupe, zucchini, eggplant, radishes, collard greens, asparagus, sweet potatoes, sweet turnips, mustard, tatsoi, watermelon radishes, daikon radishes, zinnias, sunflowers, snapdragons, and a dozen more field flower varieties at various Central NJ farmer’s markets and area farm to fork dinner series. www.chickadeecreekfarm.com

4. Joan Rude - Farmer
Griggstown Farm & Market
Princeton. NJ
In 2002, Joan, along with her husband George opened the Griggstown Farm Market to sell their farm raised birds to the public. Their farm has been selling naturally and responsibly raised pheasants, ducks, poussin, chickens, and turkeys and their signature quail since 1974. Today the Griggstown Farm Market sells many items including homemade seasonal fruit pies, chicken, turkey, beef, and vegetarian pot pies, shepherd's pie, sausages, and fresh seasonal soups, chili, and sauces. In addition to the market's year-round products, extensive Thanksgiving and holiday menus are offered to complement the farm-raised turkeys sold during November & December. www.griggstownfarm.com

5. Marie Voorhees - Farmer
Hidden Spring Lavender Farm & Market
Skillman, NJ
Marie Voorhees has been operating the former 25-acre the one a livestock farm now turned lavender farm for almost a decade. She harvests and dries the herb and creates new lavender products. In addition to bouquets and buds, the farm market sells oils, creams, soap, wreaths and a variety of gift items. The market is open year-round but if it's June or July the lavender fields will be in bloom and that's the perfect time to cross "selfie in a lavender field" off your bucket list at one of their special events. Indeed, the field has been booked for many a wedding and commercial shoot. They also offer horse boarding services and complimentary feeding visits with their alpacas. www.hiddenspringlavender.com

6. Lynn Van Nuys - Farmer
Hillsborough Farm & Country Market
Hillsborough Township, NJ
The Van Nuys family has owned and operated the 210-acre Hillsboro Farm on Hillsborough Road since 1867. With Lynn Van Nuys and her husband Doug leading the way, the family tradition continues, currently farming over 410 acres. The farm offers hay and straw year round, pick-your-own pumpkins and a corn maze for kids in the fall and seasonal farm fresh produce and cut flowers in the farm market April through December; sweet corn, tomatoes, pumpkins, squash, cucumbers, melons, broccoli, cabbage, onions, eggplant, peppers. They also stock locally made jams, jellies, pies, baked goods adding holiday wreaths, trees and gifts items in December. www.hillsborofarm.com

7. Debbie Norz - Farmer
Norz Hill Farm & Market
Hillborough , NJ The Norz family, fourth and fifth generation farmers, are foodies! Debbie was recently appointed by the governor to the NJ State Agriculture Board and her daughter, Megan, competed a few years ago on "Chopped Junior" on TLC. The farm offers a stocked market with fruit and veggies and their beef, pork and eggs, PYO pumpkins, a corn maze, pony rides, baby farm animal experiences and school tours. Events include the annual Bacon Festival in July, fall harvest festivals and the Scare Farm haunted attraction on weekends in October. www.norzhillfarm.com

8. 9. & 10. Pam, Tannwen & Reuwai Mount - Farmers
Terhune Orchards
Somerset, NJ
Keeping the legacy alive are farmer Pam Mount and her daughters Tannwenn and Reuwai managing farm and winery operations. Along with husband and father, Gary, they are 10th & 11th generation farmers in New Jersey. Since purchasing the Terhune Orchards, they have also become award-winning winemakers. Awarded Vegetable Farmers of the Year, they host annual themed family festivals every year and offer seasonal PYO strawberries, blueberries, apples, peaches, pumpkins and space for private functions in their barns. In addition, they host special wine themed events and tastings and special farm-to-table events. www.terhuneorchards.com

11. Stephanie Harris - Farmer
Stonehedge Farm
Hopewell, NJ
Stephanie Harris is one of the founding members of NOFA-NJ. She's been active in running their major events like the Organic Country Fair and the Garden to Table Conference. Before moving to Hopewell, she focused on the adverse health and environmental effects of pesticides, working for Ralph Nader and the Environmental Defense Fund in Washington, D.C. Her 26 year-old organic Stonehedge Farm grows fruits and vegetables and sells wool blankets, chickens, ducks and honey. They are holding a Tomato Festival in Princeton on September 7th!

Check out the Central New Jersey agri-tourism map, visit some great family farms, orchards and farm stores, reserve your table at a delicious farm-to-table restaurant, and taste the outstanding and award-winning wine, cider, and spirits. Plus, explore historic sites, recreation areas, canals and arts venues!

For more events and Central NJ updates, visit:
DiscoverCentralNJ.com