Sisters Named Co-Owners Of Morris Co. Family Farm, Alongside Parents

CHESTER, NJ — A well-known family-owned farm in Chester is preparing for its next generation of growth.

Rebekah Alstede Modery, 24, and Sarah Alstede, 22, have been named co-owners of Alstede Farms as part of the family succession plan. This makes the farm a majority woman-owned business as the family continues growing its success, the Alstedes said in a news release.

Their father Kurt Alstede founded the farm in 1982 and his wife, Mary Thompson- Alstede, comes from a farming family that has lived in Chester for more than a century. Kurt said he was proud and delighted that Rebekah and Sarah were interested in continuing in the family business.

"I always supported their individual choices and was careful to let them find their own way," Kurt said. "However, once they expressed interest in the family business, I realized that my dedication to the land could be carried on for generations to come. It is everything I hoped for the land, the community, and my family."

Both sisters were also given new titles relating to their areas of expertise: Rebekah will be Assistant Production Manager, working with the team to coordinate produce and retail. Sarah is now Assistant Retail Operations Manager, working to oversee operations while also organizing agritourism efforts.

"We are very excited to be working together in the family business,” said Rebekah, who graduated last year with a double major in agricultural business and sustainable agricultural production from Delaware Valley University. “We are both extremely passionate with different but complementary skills.”

“There are so many opportunities for the future and we have always been championed as leaders and valuable members of the farm team," Sarah added. "My father always respected us and offered a level playing field for success.”

Sarah recently earned an associate degree from Centenary University in Animal Science.

Alstede Farms grows more than 250 fruits, vegetables and flowers on more than 800 acres using only sustainable farming methods, and is open year-round. The farm prides itself on providing warmth, family fun, quiet solace, and friendly service to visitors from all over New Jersey, and beyond.

For more information, visit www.alstedefarms.com or call (908) 879-7189.