Official Site of The State of New Jersey

(TRENTON) – Brandon Raso, of Atlantic County, New Jersey, has been named a National Outstanding Young Farmer along three other winners at the 2026 awards held in Hershey, Pennsylvania. New Jersey has had twelve National Outstanding Young Farmer Award recipients since the program began, with Brandon becoming the 13th this year.

The National Outstanding Young Farmers Program (NOYF) is the oldest farmer recognition program in the United States, designed to honor and recognize young farmers across America, with its first national winners selected in 1955. The program’s goals are to foster better urban-rural relations by promoting understanding of farmers’ challenges and appreciation of their contributions; to generate greater interest in farming and ranching; and to build awareness of the vital role farmers play in America’s economy.

"Brandon continues New Jersey's history of having nationally recognized Outstand Young Farmers", said New Jersey Secretary of Agriculture Ed Wengryn. "Since 1955 we have had thirteen national winners proving to the nation why we are the Garden State. Brandon's business skills and leadership demonstrated there is a bright future for Agriculture in New Jersey.”

At just 25 years old, Brandon assumed leadership of Variety Farms and quickly mastered the challenges of managing hundreds of acres and employees successfully, operating an approximate 2,000 acres of blueberries and producing between 3.5 to 5 million pounds each year. Under Brandon’s leadership and in partnership with his wife, Nicole Raso, the farm continues to grow and expand, embracing new ideas such as mechanical harvesting, cold storage solutions, automated packing systems, and more. Brandon exemplifies the best of New Jersey agriculture, and the New Jersey Department of Agriculture is proud that his efforts have brought national recognition to the Garden State.

The NOYF program encourages interest in agriculture and honors local citizens for their contributions. It is sponsored by Deere & Company, administered by the Outstanding Farmers of America Fraternity, and supported by the National Association of County Agricultural Agents, the National Association of Conservation Districts, and the U.S. Junior Chamber of Commerce. To learn more about the program visit https://outstandingfarmers.com/. 

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