New Jersey Farm Owner Credits ‘Powerful’ Taste with Connecting People to History

Ashley Adsell, a former Navy officer, now runs Riamede Farm in Chester Township with farm manager Jamie Bourgeois. The 60-acre operation features 54 apple varieties and offers U-pick experiences that began in 1974 when a labor shortage led to community involvement.

CHESTER TOWNSHIP, N.J. — When a labor crisis struck in 1974, farm operators at Riamede Farm found an unexpected solution by placing a newspaper advertisement asking community members to harvest vegetables themselves or lend a hand during picking season.

The response was overwhelming. People flocked to help save the harvest and discovered they loved the hands-on farming experience.

That emergency measure transformed Riamede into one of Western Morris County’s premier pick-your-own destinations.

Today, Ashley Adsell runs the operation alongside farm manager Jamie Bourgeois. The former Naval officer was inexperienced in agriculture when a previous owner recruited her assistance. Bourgeois brings 17 years of experience at Riamede and comes from a South Jersey farming background. He lives on the property with his wife and daughters.

“I credit him with the farming innovations and expertise,” Adsell explained. However, her military background provided valuable leadership abilities, risk assessment skills, and decision-making experience that proved essential for agricultural management.

After 11 years in the Navy, Adsell was considering a career change when the farming opportunity presented itself. She purchased the land, cleared existing debts, and began her agricultural journey.

The sloping 60-acre property sits north of Chester Borough’s shopping area, near the well-known Bernie’s dive bar. The farm’s name combines “Mead” with his wife “Mariah” from an early farming family.

Riamede’s story mirrors Chester’s agricultural heritage. The original farmhouse dates to 1742, with Adsell’s childhood home just miles away on Route 124 built around the same period by a relative of Riamede’s builder. Both belonged to the Swayze family, prominent in Morris and Warren county history.

The initial structure contained just two rooms — one upstairs, one down. A “newer” section added in 1790 more than doubled the space. Subsequent expansions created the current home where Adsell lives with her 4-year-old son Oliver, along with farm offices and seasonal workers’ quarters.

Apple cultivation has dominated the farm since the 1930s, with some original trees still bearing fruit. The orchard showcases 54 varieties including Rome, Winesap, Red and Gold Delicious, Cortlands, Paragons, Northern Spy, and Macintosh. Adsell notes how flavors have evolved between older and newer plantings of the same varieties.

“Taste is powerful,” Adsell said, “it connects us to history.”

The 30-acre orchard contains everything from heritage specimens to recent varieties from Rutgers’ experimental program.

Upon assuming ownership, Adsell observed minimal recent plantings had occurred. She’s added approximately 500 new trees using tighter spacing while preserving older specimens for both their produce and the atmosphere they create.

Beyond expanding the orchard with climate-resilient varieties, Adsell has installed weather monitoring equipment and is exploring remote soil sensors. While embracing technology, she prioritizes water conservation and minimal chemical applications.

Asian pears and peach trees are joining the apple collection.

Although apples may not be everyone’s preferred fruit anymore, Adsell recognizes that pick-your-own operations and agricultural tourism create strong appeal. She offers orchard hayrides and various activities.

The property includes 10 acres dedicated to pick-your-own vegetables.

Adsell remains fascinated by visitors’ enthusiasm for specific crops. “Who’d think people would get excited about pick-your-own-eggplant?” Bourgeois cultivates numerous varieties reflecting Morris County’s ethnic diversity and eggplant’s global culinary importance.

She’s equally surprised by many people’s disconnection from agricultural processes.

Visitors express amazement at how broccoli and Brussels sprouts develop, even at tomato plant appearance. This motivates her to welcome children whenever possible. Her autumn celebration includes a child-sized corn maze and apple slingshot — residential proximity prevents using a corn cannon.

Rather than producing cider on-site, she purchases from Melicks and combines it with soft-serve for apple-cider slushies.

“Every new crop is a new business,” she observed.

Expanding into agritourism, Adsell hosts monthly line dancing in one barn and weekend music events. She organizes two annual craft and vendor markets — one in early May and another on Veterans Day weekend with a “Christmas at the farm” theme.

Her commitment to agricultural education includes school visits, with children enjoying both educational and entertainment offerings.

Through pick-your-own activities, hayrides, and special events, Adsell has fostered a genuine community within her Chester Township corner.