Morris County Preserves Its 134th Farm

CHESTER TOWNSHIP, NJ — Verbeke Farm in Chester Township has been enrolled into Morris County's Farmland Preservation program, the county announced Wednesday.

Verbeke, a 20-acre hay farm, is the 134th farm to be added to the program. This week's addition of Verbeke brings the entire amount of preserved farmland in Morris County to almost 8,000 acres, or roughly the size of Long Hill Township.

Verbeke Farm is located on Tanners Brook Road, and is located just a half-mile from another preserved farm property. The hay farm has an irrigation pond dating to the mid-1960s, as well as stables and an outdoor riding arena. The farm abuts the Black River Wildlife Management Area.

The Morris County CADB purchased a development easement on the property for a total of $312,560, or $16,000 per acre, from the owner, Simmone Verbeke. The State Agricultural Development Committee provided 60 percent of the funding, or $187,488, while the other 40 percent or $125,072 came from the voter-approved Morris County Farmland Preservation Trust Fund.

The agreement restricts the land from non-agricultural uses, but the Verbeke family retains ownership. They may even choose to sell the preserved farmland. However, the land now retains a deed restriction ensuring that it cannot undergo non-farm development. Agricultural development of the farm is permitted and the type of farming activity can change in the future.

“This long-term preservation program over several decades has been extremely effective in preserving Morris County’s agricultural roots, and creating a permanent and viable agricultural business district, especially in western Morris County,’’ said Freeholder Christine Myers, the county governing board’s liaison on preservation matters.

Preservation of Verbeke Farm brings the total area of preserved farmland in the county to 7,983 acres or the equivalent of 12.4 square miles, which is approximately the area of Long Hill, which is the 15th largest municipality in Morris County.

Verbeke Farm is the first preservation closing in Morris County in 2018. Another six farms, totaling 230 acres, are pending enrollment in the county program. They are located in Chester Township, Harding, Mount Olive, and Washington Township.

Photos of Verbeke Farm provided to Patch by Morris County.