FREEHOLD TWP. – Monmouth County Freeholder Deputy Director Lillian G. Burry and NJ Agriculture Secretary Charles M. Kuperus announced today that the 139-acre Clayton Farm, located on Route 537, is the latest entry into the Farmland Preservation Program through a partnership effort among Freehold Township, Monmouth County and the State Agriculture Development Committee.
 
“Each piece of land we preserve helps protect the quality of life in Monmouth County,” Burry said. “This is a quality piece of farmland, being farmed by a family with deep roots in the county. We are glad that they will keep farming part of the county’s future, too.”
 
“The preservation of the Clayton Farm makes us appreciate just how limited a window of opportunity we have to preserve our remaining farmland,” said Kuperus. “I applaud the Clayton family's decision to preserve their farm, which is certain to be appreciated by all who enjoy the pumpkins, mums and everything else this land has to offer for generations to come.”
 
At the time of the preservation, the farm was owned by two different trusts -- the Clayton Family Limited Parternship and the Unified Credit Trust Under the Will of Russell D. Clayton. Earlier in the year, the county preserved the adjacent 36-acre Virag-Non farm, which is also farmed by the Claytons.
 
The farm is operated by Ross and Debbie Clayton, third generation farmers.
 
“I’ve been in farming all of my life,” said Ross Clayton. “I was born and raised around farming and it is in my blood. I am happy to be part of this program and to ensure that this land will be part of Monmouth County’s agricultural community forever.”
 
The Claytons operate a seasonal farm stand during the growing season and a decorated barn.  In the fall they sell pumpkins, Indian corn, tomatoes, melons, vegetables and flowers. The farmhouse on the property dates back to 1862.       
 
Also attending the event were Freehold Township Deputy Mayor David M. Salkin and Committeeman Raymond Kershaw and Freeholder Emeritas Ted Narozanick.
 
A total of 160 farms covering 12,178 acres have been preserved in Monmouth County.

 

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