American Farmland Trust Hosts Annual Meeting at Marksboro Mills!
Last month, we were honored to host American Farmland Trust's Annual NY/NJ Council Meeting at Marksboro Mills — a moment that marked AFT’s work in this region’s agriculture.
Farmers, millers, bakers, and advocates from across NJ, PA, and NY gathered for a powerful day of connection and collaboration. Special thanks to Klaas Martens of Lakeview Organic Grain for sharing his wisdom. As he reminded us that when it comes to rebuilding a grain economy here in NJ, "You can't rebuild this alone — it takes a village."
This meeting marked the beginning of something bigger: a regional grain coalition grounded in shared knowledge, collective action, and good food.
Going forward from this meeting, we will be working together in smaller learning groups and field days to grow the local grain economy from the ground up.
From restoring the essential link between grower, miller, and baker to planning shared infrastructure and a regional information hub, the seeds of a vibrant grain growing network are taking root!
Highlights from the Meeting:
🌾 Klaas Martens of Lakeview Organic Grain opened with hard-earned wisdom: “You can’t rebuild this alone — it takes a village.” His message reminded us that collaboration and shared knowledge are the foundation of any sustainable grain system.
🌾Liz Baldwin, a NJ-based farmer, shared her first-year experience growing wheat with her baker husband. She emphasized the steep learning curve for new growers: "There are so many unknowns — how much to grow, how to store it, where to sell it."
🌾 Tim Slavin, from Farm Credit East, encouraged us to think beyond the farm, reminding everyone to “consider the whole ag ecosystem, including infrastructure.”
🌾 Tess from Foodshed Alliance is working on increasing land access and ensuring efforts in NJ are deeply connected to a wider network of support.
🌾 Erik Hassert, A Strategic Marketing Manager in our regions agriculture space, highlighted supply chain gaps and called for more cooperative models, pointing out missed opportunities in infrastructure investments like grain equipment.
And of course, Ruthie, our own host, reminded us why this work matters so deeply: “I've never had a job where people are so thankful. The time is right. People want better food!”
This meeting wasn't just a gathering — it was the beginning of a movement. One that includes:
Building a shared database of millers, bakers, and grain equipment.
Exploring regional grain processing infrastructure.
Starting “Grain Learning Circles” and field days.
Creating new farmer support systems through case studies and mentorship.
And yes, of course we fed everyone with love — Marksboro Mills catered the event with all locally sourced ingredients, right down to the honey harvested from our own field.
“Grains can build community,” someone said during the meeting. And that’s exactly what we’re doing — one conversation, one connection, one field at a time.
Thank you to The American Farmland Trust for facilitating this day of purpose and possibility. We’re just getting started!