In honor of of Women’s History Month, the Burlington County Board of Chosen Freeholders recognized local women for their leading efforts in agriculture, which included multiple women from Florence, Columbus and Chesterfield.
“It is a privilege to recognize these incredible women who are doing so much for our community all while filling roles that are typically male-dominated,” said Freeholder Deputy Director Balvir Singh. “In honor of Women’s History Month, the Freeholder Board wanted to take the time to thank them for their service to Burlington County from the farms to the front line.”
According to the United States Department of Agriculture, there are 969,672 women farmers in the United States, and they are responsible for $12.9 billion in economic impact.
The freeholders recognized and thanked women of agriculture in Burlington County. This included members of the Burlington County Board of Agriculture and the Board’s subcommittee, the Women’s Committee.
The women farmers recognized include Gina Lounsberry, Lounsberry Farms; Amy Zorn, Hunter’s Farm & Market; Marilyn Russo, Russo’s Orchard Lane Farm; Danielle Wainwright, Clover Valley Farm, Inc.; Danyelle Kumpel, Greenfield Farm; Shannon Higginbotham, Kiara Higginbotham, Cheyenne Higginbotham, Sheryl Conlill, Kim Tuscano with Cheyenne’s Farm.
Gina Lounsberry from Lounsberry Farms was one of the multiple local honorees on behalf of the county. Lounsberry Farms of Florence and Columbus is a family farm that sells straw and grain. The Lounsberry’s farm, which is more than 600 acres, has been farming in Burlington County since the 1930s.
Marilyn Russo from Russo’s Orchard Lane Farm in Chesterfield was recognized as well. Russo’s Orchard Lane Farm is a family owned and operated 250-acre fruit, vegetable and greenhouse tomato farm. All farm produce is picked fresh daily and sold in at the farm market on the farm or at Trenton Farmers Market located in Trenton. They also sell a selection of other fruits, vegetables, jams, jellies, cider, fall decorations, Christmas trees, and much more.
Danielle Wainwright from Clover Valley Farm, Inc., of Florence was recognized, too. The farm founded in Florence in 1955. It was a dairy farm that milked 100 percent registered Holsteins. In the late 2000s, Clover Valley Farms transitioned into having beef cows. In 2013, the farm moved to the Southampton farm, where they were able to expand the herd and add laying hens. In addition to the beef cattle, they also provide nutrition work and feed.
“All of these women have demonstrated a profound amount of dedication to their work and are deserving of the utmost respect,” Singh said. “Agriculture and public safety are essential aspects of everyday life that are too often overlooked. The Freeholder Board cannot thank them enough for their service.”
