Craig Steely
Alstede Farms, LLC
Speaking At
The Grandson of German immigrants, Kurt Alstede grew up in a family owned service station business in New Jersey where he learned firsthand entrepreneurial and customer service skills from his father and grandfather. He began his career in agriculture in 1982 at the age of 18 when as a first generation farmer he began raising vegetables and doing custom work in his hometown of Chester, New Jersey while at the same time working for a neighboring farm.
An Eagle Scout, Kurt graduated as the Salutatorian from West Morris Central High School in Chester, New Jersey in 1982 and went on to earn a Bachelor of Science degree in Horticulture from Delaware Valley College of Science and Agriculture in 1985 where he also completed studies in Agronomy and Agribusiness.
Throughout his college tenure he continued to grow his farming business which eventually became to be known as Alstede Farms. Direct retailing to consumers began in a small farm stand in 1985 with Pick Your Own commencing in 1987. In 1990 the Farm Store that is used today was built and over time the business evolved from raising hay, grain, and wholesale vegetables to being an entirely retail based business raising nearly 450 acres of tree fruits, small fruits, vegetables, and flowers. Today 100% of the farm’s output is sold through the on farm store, PYO, tailgate markets, and CSA. Agritourism also compliments the farm’s retail offerings. The farm currently employs 23 fulltime year round staff members and seasonally up to 200 people in both the production and retail segments of the business. Kurt functions as the General Manager and is supported by a strong management team that includes his wife of 20 years, Barbara.
Kurt has been an active volunteer firefighter for nearly 35 years and has served or is currently serving in several different capacities of local, county, state, and federal government. He is also engaged in a variety of agricultural organizations and has served in church leadership roles. Kurt and Barbara have three children; all of whom are home schooled at the farm: Rebekah (15), Sarah (13), and Karl (9). All three children are active contributors to the family business during the busy harvest seasons.
When Kurt is not busy farming he enjoys stamp collecting, history, travel, and watching the New Jersey Devils play ice hockey. Kurt and his entire family are dedicated to the future of production agriculture, the responsible stewardship of God’s natural resources, and to protecting and promoting rural American values.
An Eagle Scout, Kurt graduated as the Salutatorian from West Morris Central High School in Chester, New Jersey in 1982 and went on to earn a Bachelor of Science degree in Horticulture from Delaware Valley College of Science and Agriculture in 1985 where he also completed studies in Agronomy and Agribusiness.
Throughout his college tenure he continued to grow his farming business which eventually became to be known as Alstede Farms. Direct retailing to consumers began in a small farm stand in 1985 with Pick Your Own commencing in 1987. In 1990 the Farm Store that is used today was built and over time the business evolved from raising hay, grain, and wholesale vegetables to being an entirely retail based business raising nearly 450 acres of tree fruits, small fruits, vegetables, and flowers. Today 100% of the farm’s output is sold through the on farm store, PYO, tailgate markets, and CSA. Agritourism also compliments the farm’s retail offerings. The farm currently employs 23 fulltime year round staff members and seasonally up to 200 people in both the production and retail segments of the business. Kurt functions as the General Manager and is supported by a strong management team that includes his wife of 20 years, Barbara.
Kurt has been an active volunteer firefighter for nearly 35 years and has served or is currently serving in several different capacities of local, county, state, and federal government. He is also engaged in a variety of agricultural organizations and has served in church leadership roles. Kurt and Barbara have three children; all of whom are home schooled at the farm: Rebekah (15), Sarah (13), and Karl (9). All three children are active contributors to the family business during the busy harvest seasons.
When Kurt is not busy farming he enjoys stamp collecting, history, travel, and watching the New Jersey Devils play ice hockey. Kurt and his entire family are dedicated to the future of production agriculture, the responsible stewardship of God’s natural resources, and to protecting and promoting rural American values.