Official Site of The State of New Jersey

(TRENTON) – Brandon Raso, of Atlantic County, New Jersey, has been selected as a national winner in the 2026 National Outstanding Young Farmer Awards Convention (OFA), which will be celebrated the first week of February in Hershey, Pennsylvania. 

Brandon Raso, recipient of the Outstanding Young Farmer Award, was honored during the 2026 New Jersey State Agricultural Convention for this accomplishment. Brandon was awarded due to his dedication to agriculture as a new generation farmer in the New Jersey blueberry industry, successfully operating an approximate 800 acres of blueberries and producing between 3.5 to 5 million pounds each year. 

“Brandon is an excellent example of how young farmers are making an impact on New Jersey agriculture,” said Secretary Ed Wengryn. “The blueberry industry was created here in New Jersey and large-scale operations like Variety Farms ensure consumers get the best of Jersey Fresh.”

Brandon was “born for farming.” Growing up in a farming family, he gained early exposure to two key sectors of New Jersey agriculture: his mother’s family operated Variety Farms, Inc., a produce business, while his father managed a nursery operation. This unique upbringing gave him a deep understanding of the industry as a whole. At just 25 years old, following unforeseen circumstances, Brandon assumed leadership of Variety Farms and quickly mastered the challenges of managing hundreds of acres and employees successfully.

The National Outstanding Young Farmer (NOYF) program is the oldest farmer recognition program in the United States, 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.

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.

For more information on New Jersey’s Outstanding Young Farmer program, visit https://www.nj.gov/agriculture/about/sba/cover.shtml.

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