Mercer Co. Farm Owner Now Member Of NJ State Board of Agriculture

MERCER COUNTY, NJ - Mercer County farm and store owner John Hart was sworn into term on the New Jersey State Board of Agriculture during the monthly meeting of the Board held Wednesday.

Hart is currently a member of the Mercer County Board of Agriculture and was previously the mayor of Hopewell Township.

Also sworn in was Burlington County cranberry and blueberry farm operator Steve Lee IV. The ceremony took place at Norz Hill Farm in Somerset County.

“John Hart’s experience in various agricultural sectors throughout the years will make him a valuable asset to the Board and the overall New Jersey farming community,” New Jersey Assistant Secretary of Agriculture Joe Atchison III said. Hart is the owner of John Hart Farms and Whispering Wind Stable, and Rosedale Mills Country Store.

Hart’s farm in Hopewell Township offers resources and information for growers that include chickens, eggs, feed and hay livestock sales, trucking and shipping services, farm assessment and production evaluations.

It also provides horse boarding and riding lessons, hands-on educational programs for classroom trips, and offers animal-assisted special needs learning at the farm.

Rosedale Mills Country Store offers small animal and pet foods, supplies for horse and livestock needs, garden equipment, and general items.

Hart has also served on many Hopewell Township boards and committees over the past several years.

His volunteer activities have included involvement with Hunters Helping the Hungry, where his store is a drop-off location for venison that is donated to local food banks; coaching local youth sports; being a member of the Watershed Institute; and teaching at the Hopewell School District Farm Day.

The State Board of Agriculture comprises eight members who serve for four years.