HUNTERDON COUNTY, N.J. — The Hunterdon County Board of County Commissioners has approved preliminary farmland preservation applications for two farms totaling nearly 75 acres, continuing the county’s efforts to protect agricultural land.
The approvals were granted at the commissioners’ Feb. 3 meeting and include the 28-acre Karcher Farm in Holland Township and the 57-acre Valley Road Farm in Hampton Borough.
The Karcher Farm, located at 231 Riegelsville-Milford Road, is owned by Tyler Karcher and his parents, Chris and Sherri Karcher. The family grows hay on the property, which is surrounded by preserved farmland within the Highlands Planning Area. The application received favorable review from the County Agriculture Development Board, support from the Holland Township Committee and staff-level grant approval from the State Agriculture Development Committee.
The Valley Road Farm at 85 Valley Road was purchased at auction in summer 2025 by Brian Grochowicz. Located in the Highlands Preservation Area, the 57-acre farm contains high-quality agricultural soils and has long been used for row crops by the Grochowicz family. The application also received support from the County Agriculture Development Board, Hampton Borough and the State Agriculture Development Committee.
With preliminary approval secured, the County Agriculture Development Board will move forward with obtaining two independent appraisals for each property, a required step in the preservation process.
Commissioner Jeff Kuhl, liaison to the Department of Planning and Land Use, emphasized the importance of the effort.
“Hunterdon County remains steadfast in its commitment to preserving productive farmland and supporting our agricultural community. The preservation of these farms ensures the continuation of local farming operations while protecting the rural character and environmental quality that define our county,” Kuhl said.
Hunterdon County officials said the county continues to rank among the state’s leaders in farmland preservation, helping to maintain working farms as a key part of the local economy and landscape.
