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SOUTH BRUNSWICK: State honors VonThun farm, family member

By Nicole M. Wells, Special Writer
   For the VonThun family, of Monmouth Junction, being active on the agricultural circuit is just a way of life.
   As the 4-H speaker, Kristie VonThun, 17, spoke to a crowd of about 150 people at the New Jersey State Agricultural Convention on Feb. 6 in Atlantic City. Her family was also honored with the Neil Robson Farmers Against Hunger Award that same day.
   ”Being in 4-H has taught me dedication, responsibility and patience,” Kristie said. “I’ve developed my public speaking skills and it’s boosted my confidence and allowed me to come out of my shell.”
   4-H is the nation’s largest youth development organization, according the organization’s website, with 540,000 volunteers, 3,500 professionals and more than 60 million alumni.
   The organization aims to support young people from elementary school through high school with programs designed to shape future leaders and innovators, according to its website.
   It is also the youth development program of the nation’s 109 land-grant universities and the Cooperative Extension System.
   ”It was definitely a little nerve wracking (giving the speech),” she said. “I’ve done a lot of public speaking but this definitely tops them all.”
   According to Kristie, only one 4-H member is chosen from throughout the state to speak at the Agricultural Convention.
   Her involvement in 4-H began when her brother was six years old and she was three, going along for the ride at his meetings. She joined the Mercer County 4-H when she turned six.
   ”I loved it,” Kristie said. “I developed great friendships and I learned a lot.”
   Currently a member of Mercer County 4-H and Middlesex Mavericks Equine Science 4-H, Kristie said she wants to be an equine veterinarian in the future.
   Being a member of 4-H has helped guide her toward her decision, she said.
   Kristie said she will be attending Delaware Valley College in the fall, and plans on majoring in something animal science related, with a possible minor in biology.
   ”I’ve always loved animals,” she said. “I’ve grown up around animals.”
   Kristie said she raises and shows dairy goats, dogs and horses.
   Currently serving as New Jersey 4-H Equestrian of the Year, Kristie learned to ride on her family’s pony Jay Jay at six years old.
   She owns a horse named Checkers today.
   ”I love riding,” Kristie said. “I’m able to just clear my mind and focus on me and my horse.”
   As Equestrian of the Year, Kristie promotes equine 4-H throughout the state by attending various state 4-H horse shows.
   Next on her 4-H agenda, Kristie will represent New Jersey as a delegate at the National 4-H Conference in Washington D.C. in April.
   She will be one of six members attending from New Jersey.
   The focus of the National 4-H Conference, according to Kristie, is on leadership activities, learning how government is run and talking to government about 4-H. The number of delegates from each state is dependent on the state’s population.
   VonThun Farms, in Monmouth Junction, which is owned and operated by Kristie’s family, was honored with the Neil Robson Farmers Against Hunger Award, which was established in memory of Mr. Robson, a leading Burlington County farmer who died suddenly in 2006, according to the agency.
   The award recognizes farmers who make outstanding contributions to the fight against hunger by providing fresh fruits and vegetables to help feed the hungry.
   Bob and Cindy VonThun have been involved for about five years, according to Kristie, and in that time have donated more than 30,000 pounds of produce to Farmers Against Hunger, a gleaning organization that collects donated Jersey Fresh produce and distributes it to emergency feeding organizations throughout the state.
   ”It’s just a great organization,” Kristie said. “The leftover produce was just sitting there rotting so why not give it to people who need it?”
   According to Kristie, VonThun Farms has had a great experience working with Farmers Against Hunger and plans on continuing the association in the future.