South Jersey soybean farmer faces challenges from increasing costs, tariffs, and competition from warehouses.
In the face of significant challenges, Pemberton farmer Patrick Giberson remains resolute in his commitment to adapt and thrive. His family’s soybean and corn farm, situated amidst a wave of new commercial development in Burlington County, is emblematic of the pressures facing agricultural producers in New Jersey. With the encroachment of warehouses, shopping centers, and large retail outlets like Walmart, Giberson’s situation mirrors that of many farmers who feel increasingly squeezed by competing interests.
The family’s 800-acre operation is situated within a landscape that has shifted dramatically in recent years, with agricultural land giving way to urban sprawl and industrial growth. Compounding this issue are external challenges such as ongoing trade tensions and economic volatility. A notable factor influencing the market is a Chinese soybean boycott tied to tariffs imposed by the United States, which has further complicated Giberson’s ability to sell his crops. On top of these economic challenges, rising equipment costs and unpredictable weather patterns continue to weigh heavily on farming operations across the region.
Despite these difficulties, Giberson, a fourth-generation farmer at the helm of Giberson Farms, expresses optimism about the future. His farm not only produces traditional crops such as soybeans and corn but also features a wildlife preserve and a restored 18th-century farmhouse. While he acknowledges the negative impact of tariffs and market fluctuations, Giberson has strategically positioned himself with direct agreements to sell soybeans to major agricultural companies, including Perdue Farms and DeLong Co., thereby creating some insulation against the broader market turmoil.
Environmental and land-use issues also dominate Giberson’s concerns. With approximately 400 out of his 570-owned acres protected from development through the New Jersey Farmland Preservation Program, Giberson’s ability to expand further is limited in a region where farmland is rapidly vanishing. The U.S. Department of Agriculture reported a decline of over 22,000 acres of farmland in New Jersey between 2017 and 2022, highlighting a critical issue for local farmers trying to sustain their operations.
To diversify income sources, the Giberson family has ventured into wildlife tourism, operating a hunting preserve that attracts clientele seeking pheasant, quail, and chukar hunting experiences. This innovative adaptation speaks to a broader trend among farmers across the nation, who are increasingly exploring new markets and uses for their crops. Farmers like Giberson are actively seeking to integrate soybeans into novel applications beyond traditional food products, aiming to leverage their versatility in various industries, including footwear, lubricants, and even firefighting foams.
As the agricultural landscape continues to shift, Giberson and his fellow farmers recognize the necessity of expanding domestic markets and refining their business strategies. By embracing innovation and pursuing alternative revenue streams, they strive to secure the future of family farms in an era increasingly characterized by urbanization and competitive economic pressures.
