Cropping Up
Brian and Ed Huff revamp and revitalize the family farm
By Shannon Barbour, Nicole DeMarco and Laura Hanrahan
Brian Huff, 42, starts his day before the sun, rising early at about 5 a.m. to milk the cows, harvest seasonal fruits and vegetables, and prepare the trucks for delivery. While Brian’s hours are long and the work is strenuous, farming is not just a career choice—it’s a way of life. Brian grew up on Central Valley Farm in Asbury, NJ, which he now runs with his father and third generation farmer Ed Huff, 70.
The Huff family has deep ties to Bethlehem Township in Hunterdon County, NJ, where they’ve farmed in the area for over 100 years. However, Central Valley has undergone many adjustments to adapt to changing markets. What started as a dairy farm, founded in 1948 by Isaac T. Huff, has since expanded to include a full line of produce as well as herbs, grass-fed ground beef, farm fresh brown eggs and cut flowers. The farm most recently has gone completely green, using solar panels to power its operations. This was Brian’s idea. Ed hasn’t quite come around to it yet.
Central Valley Farm is steeped in history, over 100 years of it. Yet each generation progresses the farm forward into new territory. Ed introduced produce at a time when dairy farming no longer paid the bills and Brian is making the switch to solar power, a decision he hopes will be profitable over the coming years.
Brian hopes that one of his three kids will take over the farm when they come of age. But like his father before him, he will let it be their choice.
Central Valley sells their products from their on-site farm stand and six farmer’s markets across New York and New Jersey each week. Produce varies by location and season, but cheeses, eggs and ground beef are sold year round. Their cow probiotics, which are similar to a Greek-style yogurt, are also popular and come in a variety of flavors like strawberry, blueberry, black cherry and peach.
Regular markets and restaurant orders bring in a steady profit for the farm, despite the ease and proclivity of food delivery.
At the end of the day, farming is the family business. The time has come for Ed to hand the reins over to Brian, just as his father passed the farm on to him and his great grandfather before that. With this rich history, one can only hope that the future generation will carry on the Huff family legacy. But there’s no pressure.
