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Irvin R. Hockenbury - Click to enlarge
Irvin R. Hockenbury
When Irv Hockenbury's mother asked him many years ago what he wanted for Christmas, the then young boy said: "The only thing I want is another farm toy."

Decades later, farming remains the focus of Irv's life.

Irv grew up on his parents' dairy farm in Reaville, Hunterdon County, where he started milking cows at the age of 7.

In 1968, he purchased 90 acres from the family estate and launched his own dairy business with more than 32 dairy cows.

During the height of his career, Irv, his wife, Vilma, and their two children farmed more than 300-acres of grain, hay, dairy and other livestock. Over time, his ability to select a quality cow became almost instinctive. Years of experience allowed him to simply look at the animals to determine which would be the best producers.

Irv still farms the 90-acre Homestead today, growing vegetables to sell at his roadside market.

Irv is a proven leader throughout the farming community. He served on the Hunterdon County Board of Agriculture for 40 years, providing leadership as vice president and president at various times during his tenure. Irv was a member of countless agricultural organizations and has earned numerous awards and recognitions for his accomplishments and dedication to the industry. He remains an active member of the Holcombe-Jimison Farmstead Museum.

Irv's lifelong commitment to farming continues to earn him tremendous respect throughout the agriculture community. Many of the state's agriculture leaders count on Irv to provide sound, straightforward advice -- the kind that can only come from having spent years in the trenches.