His words remain true today as New Jersey works to ensure agriculture remains viable and thrives in what is the most densely populated state in the nation.

A Burlington County soybean farmer, Pew was a lifelong advocate for agriculture and the soybean industry in New Jersey.

Born and raised on his family's Maple Hill Farm in Mount Holly, Fred emerged as a leader early on, serving as president of his high school class and earning the American Legion Award for Outstanding Boy Student.

After graduating high school in 1940, Fred turned his full attention to farming. He farmed as many as 1,500 acres of soybeans a season during his lifetime.

Fred was married to his wife Jean for 57 years and had one daughter. His son-in-law works on the farm today. Fred also had three grandchildren and a great grandchild.

Along with being an active farmer, Fred served as chairman of the New Jersey Soybean Advisory Council, of which he was a founding member. He also was president of the New Jersey Mid-Atlantic Soybean Association and Director of the American Soybean Association.

Fred was a member of the Burlington County Board of Agriculture and New Jersey Farm Bureau as well as the Westhampton Township Planning and Zoning Boards.

The New Jersey Department of Agriculture previously recognized Fred for his outstanding work on the New Jersey Soybean Advisory Council.

His wife Jean said, "...Fred worked hard as a farmer and never had a bad word to say about anyone."

Fred passed away April 30, 2003. He was 78.