Former Naval Officer Transforms Historic Chester Township Farm into Community Hub

Ashley Adsell, a former Navy officer, has revitalized Riamede Farm in Chester Township, New Jersey, turning the historic 60-acre property into a thriving u-pick destination and agritourism attraction. The farm, which dates back to 1742, offers 54 apple varieties, diverse vegetables, and community events that educate visitors about agriculture.

CHESTER TOWNSHIP, NJ — When labor shortages threatened to ruin the harvest at Riamede Farm back in 1974, the owners placed a newspaper advertisement asking community members to come pick their own vegetables. That creative solution not only saved the crop but launched what would become a beloved u-pick destination in Western Morris County.

Today, Ashley Adsell runs the historic 60-acre operation alongside farm manager Jamie Bourgeois. The former Naval officer had no agricultural background when a previous owner recruited her help, but her military experience provided valuable leadership and risk assessment skills that translated well to farming.

After 11 years in the Navy, Adsell saw an opportunity to purchase the property, settle outstanding debts, and begin a new chapter. Bourgeois, who hails from a South Jersey farming family, has worked at Riamede for 17 years and brings the technical expertise that complements Adsell’s management abilities.

The farm’s name comes from an early farmer named Mead and his wife Mariah. Located on sloping terrain north of Chester Borough’s shopping area, near the popular Bernie’s bar, Riamede sits in a stone farmhouse originally constructed in 1742. Interestingly, Adsell grew up just miles away in another stone house built around the same time by a brother of Riamede’s original builder, both members of the historically significant Swayze family.

The original two-room structure (one upstairs, one down) received a major expansion in 1790 that more than doubled its size. Additional renovations over the years created the current home where Adsell lives with her 4-year-old son Oliver, while also housing the farm office and seasonal workers.

Apple production has anchored the farm since the 1930s, with some original trees still bearing fruit. The orchard spans 30 acres and showcases 54 different varieties, including Rome, Winesap, Red and Gold Delicious, Cortlands, Paragons, Northern Spy, and Macintosh. Adsell has observed how flavors have evolved between older and newer plantings of traditional varieties.

“Taste is powerful,” Adsell explained. “It connects us to history.”

The apple trees range from historic specimens to recent additions from Rutgers University’s experimental program. When Adsell took over, she noticed limited recent plantings and has since added approximately 500 new trees using tighter spacing methods. However, many mature trees remain both for their fruit production and the character they bring to the landscape.

Adsell has incorporated modern technology including a weather station and is exploring remote soil monitoring systems. While she embraces these innovations, her primary goals focus on water conservation and minimizing chemical applications. She’s also diversifying the orchard with Asian pears and peach trees.

Recognizing that apples may not hold the same appeal for all consumers, Adsell has expanded the agritourism aspects of the operation. The farm offers hayrides to the orchard and various entertainment options to draw visitors.

The 10-acre vegetable section continues the u-pick tradition that saved the farm decades ago. Adsell finds it remarkable how enthusiastic people become about harvesting their own produce, noting with amusement: “Who’d think people would get excited about pick-your-own-eggplant?”

Bourgeois plants numerous vegetable varieties reflecting Morris County’s ethnic diversity, acknowledging that different eggplant types serve as staples across many global cuisines. What surprises Adsell most is how disconnected many visitors are from agricultural processes. People express amazement at seeing how broccoli and Brussels sprouts develop, and even at the appearance of tomato plants.

This disconnect motivates her educational efforts, particularly welcoming children to the farm. The fall festival features a child-sized corn maze and apple slingshot (a corn cannon would be inappropriate given the nearby residential area). While Riamede doesn’t produce its own cider, Adsell purchases it from Melicks and combines it with soft-serve ice cream to create apple-cider slushies.

“Every new crop is a new business,” she observed about the challenges of diversification.

The agritourism expansion includes monthly line dancing in one of the property’s barns, plus music events on alternate weekends. Adsell organizes two annual craft and vendor fairs: one in early May and another on Veterans Day weekend with a “Christmas at the farm” theme.

Her commitment to agricultural education extends to hosting school field trips, allowing children to experience both the educational and entertainment aspects of farm life. Through u-pick operations, hayrides, and various events, Adsell has successfully created a genuine community gathering place in her corner of Chester Township.