Riamede Farm
About
The farm's first pick-your-own public harvest was in 1974. The farm spans 68 acres, with many of its orchards still nurturing big old seedling apple trees planted by Lowry and Ria Mead in the 1950s. The farm's acreage has been cultivated since the late 1700s, and it is known for its 19th-century ambiance and long-standing agricultural heritage.
The farm employs an Integrated Pest Management program in partnership with Rutgers Extension services. Practices include annual crop rotation, minimal tillage, cover cropping, and pollinator-friendly methods. The farm also focuses on local foods in its store and improves access to all consumers through SNAP and Good Food Bucks.
The farm is owned by Ashley Asdal, a former naval officer who now applies her leadership and problem-solving skills to growing apples and pumpkins. The orchard features over fifty varieties of apples, ranging from traditional classics to heirloom specialties to modern favorites. Visitors can enjoy a peaceful, authentic experience without the carnival atmosphere, and the farm also offers a pumpkin field.