Robert
C. Von Thun, Jr., a fourth-generation vegetable/small
fruit/flower farmer from Monmouth Junction, Middlesex
County, was honored as the Outstanding Young Farmer
earlier this month at the 86th State Agricultural
Convention in Atlantic City. The
award is presented annually by State Board of Agriculture
to recognize the outstanding achievements of a
young person engaged in farming in New Jersey.
The Von Thun family began farming in 1913 on 90
acres, selling their grain and potatoes through
wholesale markets. In 1986, Robert Von Thun formed
a partnership with his father and added 55 acres
of soybeans and 35 acres of vegetables to the farm's
production. The vegetables were sold at the farm's
small retail market. In order to expand his customer
base and gain additional marketing exposure, Von
Thun branched out into "entertainment" farming,
holding various festivals throughout the year and
gearing the activities toward children. Since 1990,
Von Thun has held agricultural education sessions
each year and as many as 10,000 children from pre-school
through second grade visit the farm. The children
learn about agriculture, the food system and natural
resource management during their visits. Von Thun's
emphasis on marketing has led him to double the
size of his retail market and add a petting zoo
for children along with pick-your-own opportunities,
hayrides and festivals. He attends six urban tailgate
farm markets during the season and also sells his
products directly to independent supermarkets.
The farm's web site tells customers the history
of the farm and advises them of the schedules for
tailgate markets, seasonal activities, festivals
and special events. Recordkeeping is critical to
Von Thun's farm management and development. Marketing
records include advertising strategies and yearly
festival comparisons of income, profits and attendance
at each event. As a result of his attention to
these details, attendance at his fall festival
rose from 1,500 in 1994 to over 6,000 in 1999.
The expansion of his greenhouse production to 25,000
square feet and its profitability also relies on
good recordkeeping. Conservation of natural resources
and sustainable agriculture is of the utmost importance
to Von Thun. Manure generated by the farm's livestock
is used to fertilize the soil, which are some of
the most productive in New Jersey. Management practices
such as grass waterways, side dressing of fertilizers
and installation of drywells in the greenhouses
to recapture and manage water have been implemented
along with trickle irrigation which has reduced
water consumption by as much as 80 percent and
reduced fertilizer costs by 20 percent. Through
a combination of education and public outreach,
Von Thun has been able to help create an informed
public that supports our diverse agriculture industry.
Von Thun serves as a positive role model for youth
by following the FFA motto -- "learning to do,
doing to learn, earning to live, living to serve." Community
service is an important aspect of Von Thun's life.
He supports his church, local youth organizations,
schools, and other community businesses. He has
been active in numerous organizations, including
the Middlesex County Board of Agriculture, the
Vegetable Growers' Association, the Chamber of
Commerce, the 4-H Leaders Association, local school
PTO, and FFA. Von Thun has received the Honorary
FFA Degree; Friend of FFA Award; General Assembly
Resolution plaque for community service and agricultural
industry involvement; the Middlesex County Friend
of 4-H Award; and the Community Service Award from
the Bethany Baptists Church.
Von
Thun's wife Cindy shares in all aspects of work
on the farm and in the community. An agriculture
education teacher, last year she received the
FFA Advisor of the Year Award. Their three children,
Timmy, 8; Kristie, 5; and Kellie Ann, 2; are
the fifth Von Thun generation to grow up on the
farm.
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