UPPER FREEHOLD — A township hay and grain farmer was sworn in as a new member of the New Jersey State Board of Agriculture during the board’s Aug. 22 reorganization meeting in Eastampton.
Martin Bullock was selected for the position at the January 2012 State Agricultural Convention, and was later nominated by Gov. Chris Christie and confirmed by the State Senate.
Bullock operates Bullock Farms along with his brother, their wives, and children. The home farm in Upper Freehold has been in the family since 1860.
They also rent land in Ocean and Burlington
Counties. They grow 200 acres of soybeans, 150 acres of corn, 40 acres of wheat, 40 acres of pumpkins, gourds and winter squash, and 60 acres of rye.
During the winter, they have a chooseand cut Christmas tree operation, and also sell wreaths, blankets and gifts.
Last season, the farm began growing heirloom tomatoes, with plans to expand to include other vegetables.
A graduate of Allentown High School, Bullock has been an active leader in the agricultural industry, serving as an officer on the Monmouth County Board of Agriculture since 1985, and the county Agricultural Development Board since 2002. He serves as a director for the New Jersey Grain and Forage Council and Farmers Brokerage and Supply. He has held positions on the New Jersey Soybean Board and Mid-Atlantic Soybean Board, and served as a supervisor for the Freehold Soil Conservation District.
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. Members serve without salary, but may be reimbursed for expenses. For more information, visit www.nj.gov/agriculture/about/sba.