Gloucester County farm operator Joel Viereck was sworn into his term on the New Jersey State Board of Agriculture today during the Board’s monthly meeting. The session also included an officer reorganization where Cumberland County’s Bob Blew was elected president and Burlington County’s Lisa Specca as vice president.
Viereck, who is representing the vegetable industry, has served as president of the Vegetable Growers Association of New Jersey, vice president of the Gloucester County Board of Agriculture, and the Gloucester County Director for the New Jersey Farm Bureau.
“Joel’s vast experience as a vegetable grower and his service with the Vegetable Growers Association of New Jersey, on the Gloucester County Board of Agriculture, and with New Jersey Farm Bureau will prove invaluable in his term on the State Board of Agriculture,” New Jersey Secretary of Agriculture Ed Wengryn said. “His first-hand knowledge of the on-farm experience and the issues that farmers face will allow him to provide insights and knowledge that can enhance our representation of the industry.”
Viereck has worked 23 years as the fourth generation of a farm that spans 600 acres in Woolwich and Logan townships. The farm is owned by David and Larry Viereck, and operated with Joel and Mike Viereck, who are the fourth generation. The farm was started more than 100 years ago by Leslie Viereck and continued by Leslie Viereck Jr., who is now 97. Leslie Viereck III also works on the farm and leads its farmers market program.
Viereck Farms grows more than 50 acres of tomatoes, including just over 40 acres in high tunnels. That allows the crops to be shaded, protecting them from the heat. Vierick’s also grows sweet corn, peppers, squash, and asparagus as well as wheat, soybeans, and field corn.
Incoming President Blew has served on the board since 2023 and has been an owner/manager of Centerton Nursery for 19 years. His primary responsibilities have been product development, marketing, and digital content among other duties. Centerton Nursery is a third-generation operation that delivers more than 1,600 plant varieties to more than 900 dealers in 32 states while serving the independent garden center industry. Blew, along with siblings Donald, and Amy, operate the family business that was started in 1974 by their grandparents, and continued with their father Denny.
Likewise, Specca has served on the board since 2021, and with her husband Dave Specca, owns and operate Specca Farms. It is a fourth-generation family owned and operated vegetable farm. The farm markets directly to the public through a pick-your-own operation and seasonal farmers markets. Lisa Specca’s primary responsibilities include being manager of retail sales and marketing, manager of human resources, greenhouse production manager, chief financial officer, and coordinator of farm safety.
Other board members and the commodity groups they represent are Kurt Alstede, of Morris County, fruit; David DeFrange II, Hunterdon County, nursery; John Hart, Mercer County, hay and grain; Stephen V. Lee IV, Burlington County, fruit; Holly Sytsema, Sussex County, dairy.
The State Board of Agriculture comprises eight members who serve for four years. By law, at least four of its members must represent the top commodity groups in the state, which are nursery, vegetable, fruit, and grain. For more information, visit www.nj.gov/agriculture/about/sba.
Joel Viereck (center), shaking hands with State Senator John Burzichelli with (from left), Secretary Ed Wengryn, Brianna Viereck, and then Board President Holly Sytsema looking on.
