The New Jersey Agricultural Society announced July 20 its newly enhanced team to launch the 10th class of its New Jersey Agricultural Leadership Development Program in November.

The society welcomes two new staff members from the agricultural community to direct and implement the program, and deliver what is expected to be the most dynamic program yet.

Jennifer Matthews, of Cape May Court House in Cape May County, will serve as the new program director, and Kurt Alstede of Chester in Morris County will serve as the new agricultural liaison. These changes come during the milestone 20th anniversary of the program, which has trained nearly 200 farmers and industry professionals to advocate for New Jersey agriculture.

Matthews has served as the Rutgers Cooperative Extension of Cape May County's master gardener coordinator since 2008 and was the program coordinator for Annie's Project NJ, which educated over 300 farm women from across the state. In addition to her work with Cooperative Extension, she is a first-generation farmer, growing and selling certified organic heirloom tomatoes to the organic market through restaurants in Cape May County and caring for horses on her 12-acre farm. Matthews' educational background in political science with an advanced degree in agricultural education coupled with her professional experience coordinating educational workshops for farmers brings a vibrant change in leadership. She will coordinate and lead the program in her role as program director.

The society has further enriched the program by hiring first-generation farmer Kurt Alstede, owner of Alstede Farms in Chester, NJ, to serve as its first NJALDP agricultural liaison. Alstede earned a bachelor of science degree in horticulture from Delaware Valley College (now University) where he also completed studies in agronomy and agribusiness.

Through the years, Alstede's operation evolved from raising hay, grain and wholesale vegetables to being an entirely retail-based business raising nearly 300 acres of fruits, vegetables and flowers. Alstede's successful business plan includes a multifaceted approach to marketing and customer service with agritourism complementing the farm's retail and community based offerings.

Alstede functions as the general manager and is supported by a strong management team that includes his wife of 18 years, Barbara, who is herself Class 2 alumna of the program. Alstede's role will be to heighten discussion on agricultural hot topics, guide selection of speakers and tours, and expand networking and leadership opportunities for participants. Alstede is well known by New Jersey's farm community as a leader, innovator, and one of its staunchest, most articulate advocates with his pulse firmly on the industry.

In addition, the society is hiring additional consultants from various universities and consulting firms to enhance the curriculum with focus on public speaking, marketing, business and leadership.

The program is designed as 10 two-day seminars, where participants discuss a variety of agricultural issues while attending workshops, meeting with industry experts and visiting farms and related facilities. A legislative leadership tour in Washington, DC, provides the class with an overview of governmental and non-governmental agencies influencing agricultural policy. A domestic study tour enables participants to compare agriculture at both the national and international levels and have the opportunity to interact with farmers and agribusiness professionals nationwide.

The New Jersey Agricultural Society has opened additional seats for "future leaders in the field" interested in applying to Class 10. Those who are professionally involved in agriculture, up to the challenge, and ready for personal development must apply by Sept. 1 to have the opportunity of joining Class 10.

Interested candidates may visit www.njagsociety.org or schedule a phone conference with Executive Director Kristina Guttadora at 609/462-9691 to learn more about the program.