Kurt Alstede is a lifelong resident of the Highlands and a full time family farmer in Chester Township. He founded Alstede farms in 1982, a business that is now recognized as one of New Jersey’s premier farm operations and destinations. Kurt was selected as New Jersey’s Outstanding Young Farmer in 1988 and was chosen by President George W. Bush to serve as a New Jersey State Committee Member of the USDA Farm Service Agency in 2002. Kurt served six years as a Councilman in Chester Township and continues to serve on its Open Space Committee. He is a past Director of the New Jersey Farm Bureau, a past President of the Morris County Board of Agriculture, and a past President and Life Member of the Chester Volunteer Fire Co. #1. Kurt was the Salutatorian of the 1982 graduating class of West Morris Central High School in Chester. He is a Summa Cum Laude graduate of Delaware Valley College of Science and Agriculture, earning a Bachelor of Science Degree in Horticulture. Kurt is also an Eagle Scout. He lives in Chester with his wife and children, and is an active member of the First Congregational Church of Chester.