Recognition Program

New Jersey Department of Agriculture Assistant Secretary Joe Atchison III recognized Coombs Barnyard in Salem County as the winner of the Jersey Fresh Farm to School Farmer Recognition Award. The presentation took place during the celebration of the 13th annual Jersey Fresh Farm to School Week, being held September 25-29, 2023. The program is an opportunity for farmers to highlight their Farm to School efforts and to help feature Jersey Fresh produce in local school meals.

“Coombs Barnyard’s focused and enthusiastic mission of educating students and the public about the importance of farming is an outstanding example of how to promote the
significance of agriculture,” Assistant Secretary Atchison said. “The ability to host so many different groups allows more people to gain a better understanding of how a farm operates and enhances the awareness of agriculture in the Garden State.”Coombs Barnyard was started by Amanda Coombs and her sister Jennifer in 2008. Amanda, her family, and staff operate the Barnyard now. The farm features field trips for many different organizations and groups from April through October. The trips include a hayride, agri-education on vegetables, vegetable and pumpkin picking, a corn maze, animal visits, and other farm activities. During the summer months, they feature six weeks of farm day camps for children ages 5-12. All six of the weeks sold out this past summer. In 2015, they started a Farmyard Education Foundation as a 501 (c)(3) non-profit with the mission of educating the community about agriculture through the eyes of children with the hope of empowering people to understand the importance of agriculture. “Agriculture plays an essential role in producing what we need to survive, and we want to do our part in helping people understand this significant endeavor,” Amanda Coombs said. “The sooner we can educate children and students about farms and their importance increases the chances of them developing a true appreciation for farming.”