Bridging the Gap Between Residents and Farmers

Do you ever snack on a handful of pretzels and think about the wheat field where the flour originated? It is tough to draw that connection when you are several generations removed from living and working on a farm – as is the case for many New Jersey residents.

The disconnect between the public and the food we eat has contributed to growing misconceptions about agriculture and the people who produce it. Rutgers Cooperative Extension (RCE) of Burlington County aims to reconnect residents with agriculture by enhancing agricultural awareness and highlighting challenges faced by farmers.

The Burlington County Agricultural Center, a unique site within the county park system, is a diversified, working farm that serves as an excellent resource for agricultural public outreach. Prior to being acquired by the county, it was a long-time dairy farm and is currently home to a commercial farm that raises Romney sheep along with grain and hay crops. For many years, RCE of Burlington County has recognized that this local farm is a valuable tool for local community outreach about agriculture. An example of a unique learning opportunity that this living lab provides are Integrated Pest Management (IPM) Walks for county Master Gardeners. The IPM Walks aim to improve the practical knowledge of pest identification and management for our Master Gardeners, while also exposing them to how these principles are applied on a commercial farm. Practically, the walks allow Master Gardeners to observe current farm activities, practice pest identification, understand crop rotation, and learn about economic factors that influence decision making. Farm viability, a major agricultural community issue, is another common topic. Such discussions while out in the field with farmers help Master Gardeners step into the farmers’ shoes for a day and bridge the gap of understanding. Attendees develop newfound respect for the profession of farming and acquire new information to share within their communities.

Another unique feature of the Agricultural Center is the RCE demonstration plots that provide educational opportunities for both Master Gardeners as well as the public. For example, a soybean study was conducted in 2022 to evaluate whether farmers could maintain soybean yield while reducing planting population. This provided an opportunity to discuss the impact of rising input costs on farm viability and efforts to address this threat. Previous demonstrations have featured niche crops like popcorn, sunflowers, Padron peppers, and more. These crops also serve as a backdrop during IPM Walks for meaningful conversations about the benefits and challenges of crop diversification in New Jersey. Smaller demonstration plots at the center are maintained by the Master Gardeners who evaluate crop varieties, demonstrate pest management techniques, or compare production practices. The small demonstration plots are readily accessible to the public who enjoy the county park, attend the weekly farmer’s market, or tend community garden plots. The demonstration plots provide another opportunity to educate the public about the challenges faced by farmers, by exemplifying the many factors that influence the success of crop production. One of the most impactful ways to change one’s perspective on agriculture is to go to the farm. It is a vital living lab and an important tool in helping to connect people to agriculture.

Social media is another method to improve residents’ connection with farms and the challenges of farming. In particular, wildlife damage is a major problem that affects agricultural producers in New Jersey, but the impacts of the damage are difficult for the average resident to recognize. Since a picture is considered to be worth a thousand words, the project “Smile, You’re on Camera” was started in 2021 to capture a day in the life of an agricultural field and to document wildlife activity. For this project, trail cameras were placed in local soybean fields to photograph white-tailed deer and other wildlife as they browse on the soybeans. Captured photos are shared on the RCE of Burlington County Facebook page @ BurlCoRCE and routinely reach 500 to 2,000 people. It is powerful to see photos of 25 deer browsing in a soybean field and learn about what effect that has on the farmer. We have observed, firsthand, how sharing these photos has increased awareness of this issue faced by nearly all farmers.

If you value the open space preserved only by farming, lean into your local agriculture. Although we cannot always support each other financially, we can all make it a point to stand in someone else’s shoes and see the world from their perspective. The next time you go for that handful of pretzels, think back to the farm and the farmer, and give thanks.

To learn more about the Burlington County Agricultural Center, visit http://www. burlcoagcenter.com/. If you are interested in becoming a Rutgers Master Gardener, visit https://njaes.rutgers.edu/mastergardeners/