Garden State Times

Zach Heiken, a vegetable and grain grower from Salem County, New Jersey, has been named a national winner at the 2025 Outstanding Young Farmers of America Convention. The event took place in Des Moines, Iowa, where Heiken was one of four national winners selected from ten finalists. His recognition was based on his agricultural career progress, soil and water conservation practices, and contributions to community well-being.

"It is truly an honor to be recognized nationally among the outstanding candidates we were with last week,” said Zach Heiken. “I want to thank everyone who has supported me and our operation from when I first started learning about farming as youth up to where this journey has taken us today."

Heiken operates ZRH Farms in Pedricktown alongside his wife Andrea. This marks the third time in five years that a New Jersey farmer has won the National Outstanding Young Farmer award. The couple was also honored at the New Jersey Joint State Agricultural Convention Banquet in Atlantic City.

“Congratulations to Zach and Andrea for being recognized nationally for the work they have accomplished here in the Garden State,” stated New Jersey Secretary of Agriculture Ed Wengryn. “Zach’s passion for agriculture is exemplary. He has built a first-generation operation to become one of the largest producers in the state.”

Heiken's farming journey began in 2005 with around 100 acres. Today, ZRH Farms spans over 4,000 acres with up to 70 employees during peak seasons. The farm produces crops such as peppers, cucumbers, asparagus, soybeans, wheat, corn, and eggplant.

Growing up near a vegetable farm sparked Heiken's interest in agriculture early on. By age 18, he decided to pursue farming independently despite not coming from a generational farm family.

“I use the term inheritance differently,” said Heiken. “I was raised by parents who taught me the definition of perseverance and hard work from day one.”

He employs various conservation techniques on his farm including drip irrigation and no-till planting practices which help protect soil integrity.

“A motto I have carried with me throughout my farming experience was that no limit is best,” remarked Heiken.

Andrea plays an integral role by managing payroll for seasonal workers and handling office tasks while raising their three children.

“Andrea completed her bachelor’s degree and fortunately for me has been able to adapt our family and business as one,” noted Heiken.

The farm also contributes produce donations through organizations like Bushels of Blessings and Feeding America.

Other past National Outstanding Young Farmer winners from New Jersey include Abbott Lee (1985), James Giamarese (1989), Robert Von Thun (2001), among others.

The Outstanding Young Farmer program aims to improve urban-rural relations by highlighting farmers' challenges along with their achievements while fostering interest in agriculture across communities nationwide.

For further details about New Jersey's Outstanding Young Farmer program visit: https://www.nj.gov/agriculture/about/sba/cover.html or contact Joe Atchison at joe.atchison@ag.nj.gov