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Photos of Roger Kumpel and William Randolph - Click to enlarge
Kumpel, Randolph Begin 4-Year Terms
For Immediate Release: October 13, 2006
Contact: Lynne Richmond
(609) 633-2954

(TRENTON) – Farmers from Burlington and Somerset Counties have been sworn in as the two newest members of the New Jersey State Board of Agriculture.

Roger Kumpel of Southampton, Burlington County, and William Randolph of Montgomery Township, Somerset County, were seated during the Board’s annual reorganization meeting at the Rutgers EcoComplex in Columbus on September 27. They were selected for the positions at the January State Agricultural Convention and later nominated by Governor Jon S. Corzine and confirmed by the State Senate.

“Both Mr. Kumpel and Mr. Randolph bring a wealth of experience in New Jersey’s agriculture industry to the Board,” said New Jersey Secretary of Agriculture Charles M. Kuperus. “They are leaders in their fields and well respected for their knowledge and innovative thinking.  Their work on the Board will be crucial in formulating policy for the Department of Agriculture that will help the industry grow and thrive.”

Kumpel, who represents the hay/grain industry on the Board, farms about 400 acres in Burlington County, growing hay, long straw, grain and vegetables along with his wife, son and daughter-in-law.  The Kumpel family also operates Greenfield Farms Farm Market in Southampton.  A third-generation farmer, Kumpel is a member of the Southampton Township Agricultural Advisory Board and Environmental Committee. He served on the Burlington County Board of Agriculture for eight years, serving as Secretary for one year, and was on the Rutgers University Board of Managers for six years.  Kumpel has been a delegate for the Burlington County Board of Agriculture to the New Jersey State Agricultural and Farm Bureau Conventions.  When in high school, he was an FFA member, serving as Vice -President for two years.

Randolph is founder of Millstone Valley Nursery, which recently became a part of Summit Plants and Flowers of Belle Mead.  He is a graduate of the first class of the New Jersey Agricultural Leadership Development Program and a past President of the Somerset County Board of Agriculture and alternate director of New Jersey Farm Bureau.  Randolph currently is a member of the Princeton Agricultural Association, Montgomery Township Agriculture Advisory Committee, and First Pioneer Farm Credit Customer Service Council.  He also is a trustee for the New Jersey Museum of Agriculture and New Jersey Agricultural Society.  Randolph, his wife, Betsy and their four children live in Montgomery Township.

In addition ,during the annual reorganization meeting, Mary Jo Herbert, a thoroughbred horse breeder from Titusville, Mercer County, was elected to serve as President of the Board, and Noble McNaughton, a nursery owner from Tabernacle, Burlington County, was selected as Vice-President.

The State Board of Agriculture, comprising eight members, is the policy-making body of the New Jersey Department of Agriculture. Its members serve for four years, with two members being replaced each year. By law, at least four of its members must represent the top commodity groups in the state. New members are sworn in each year at the Board’s reorganization meeting. Members serve without salary, but may be reimbursed for expenses.