Von Thuns named N.J. Farm Family of the Year
BY CHRIS GAETANO
Staff Writer

FILE PHOTO The owners of Von Thun's Country Farm Market, Monmouth Junction, have been recognized by the Vegetable Growers Association of New Jersey.

SOUTH BRUNSWICK - The proprietors of Von Thun's Country Farm Market were named Farm Family of the Year for 2007 by the Vegetable Growers Association of New Jersey.

The Von Thun farm, a 90-acre expanse on Ridge Road, grows a variety of crops during the year, including potatoes, soybeans, peppers and eggplant. Right now, the farm is growing flowers in a greenhouse for use in hanging baskets, as well as vegetables that will eventually be planted in the field.

The award was given to Robert Von Thun Jr. and his family in January and was announced on Feb. 2. According to Von Thun, he was surprised that he had even been nominated.

"We were honored and shocked, I guess. ... We didn't know that we were even nominated for the award, so we felt honored just to be nominated, no less winning it," Von Thun said.

The farm has been in the Von Thun family for four generations, having been started in 1913 at the same spot it is today. It was primarily a grain and potato operation when Bob Von Thun was growing up. When the surrounding farms began to diversify and the population of the town began to grow, the Von Thun family took the farm on more of a retail market approach.

The family members are Robert Von Thun Jr., who grew up in South Brunswick, as did almost a century's worth of previous generations; Cindy, who teaches agriculture and helps in all aspects of work on the farm; and their children Tim, 15, Kristie, 11, and Kellie, 8.

The Van Thuns, who regularly host programs, festivals and events for local children, were recognized primarily for their efforts in promoting agricultural education. Roughly 10,000 children from prekindergarten through second grade visit the farm each year. The family began the education programs in 1990.

"[It's] where they can have fun and also teach them about agriculture and where food comes from," Von Thun said.

"The Von Thun family are truly deserving of this award, " said Bill Hlubik, a Middlesex County agricultural agent. "The Von Thuns have one of the most creative and unique family farm businesses in the state. They have provided agricultural education to many thousands of children through school tours and have hosted tours for international groups as well."

The Von Thuns have been active in numerous organizations, including the Middlesex County Board of Agriculture, the Vegetable Growers Association of New Jersey, the 4-H Leaders Association, and FFA (formerly known as Future Farmers of America).

More information about the Von Thun farm can be found at www.vonthunfarms.com.