AgInitiatives Committee Chair
Member Of:
Michael N. Brooks
AgInitiatives Committee Chair
Michael N. Brooks, of Elmer, N.J., was first elected to the Farm Credit East Board in 2014, with his current term expiring in 2022.
In partnership with his parents, William and Diane Brooks, he owns Dusty Lane Farms, LLC . Dusty Lane Farms is a diverse, 1,500-acre irrigated operation producing white potatoes, tomatoes, spinach, sweet corn, corn and soybeans. Mike is a member of United States Potato Board, serves on the executive committee of the Salem Country Board of Agriculture and is the vice president of the New Jersey White Potato Association.
Michael N. Brooks, of Elmer, N.J., was first elected to the Farm Credit East Board in 2014, with his current term expiring in 2022.
In partnership with his parents, William and Diane Brooks, he owns Dusty Lane Farms, LLC . Dusty Lane Farms is a diverse, 1,500-acre irrigated operation producing white potatoes, tomatoes, spinach, sweet corn, corn and soybeans. Mike is a member of United States Potato Board, serves on the executive committee of the Salem Country Board of Agriculture and is the vice president of the New Jersey White Potato Association.
Member Of:
Member Of:
Kurt W. Alstede
Kurt W. Alstede is founder, owner and general manager of Alstede Farms, LLC, a 600-acre vertically integrated fruit and vegetable farm located in Chester, N.J. The farm includes tree and small fruit, vegetables, ornamentals, a year-round store, processing, Pick-Your-Own, and agritourism.
Kurt was elected director in 2019 to a term expiring in 2023. He is also director of his County Tourism Bureau, vice chair of the New Jersey Highlands Council Regional Planning Authority, and active in the New Jersey Farm Bureau and the Morris County Board of Agriculture. Additionally, Kurt is secretary of the Chester Fireman's Relief Association and agricultural liaison for the New Jersey Agricultural Society.
Kurt W. Alstede is founder, owner and general manager of Alstede Farms, LLC, a 600-acre vertically integrated fruit and vegetable farm located in Chester, N.J. The farm includes tree and small fruit, vegetables, ornamentals, a year-round store, processing, Pick-Your-Own, and agritourism.
Kurt was elected director in 2019 to a term expiring in 2023. He is also director of his County Tourism Bureau, vice chair of the New Jersey Highlands Council Regional Planning Authority, and active in the New Jersey Farm Bureau and the Morris County Board of Agriculture. Additionally, Kurt is secretary of the Chester Fireman's Relief Association and agricultural liaison for the New Jersey Agricultural Society.
Member Of:
Member Of:
James A. Robbins II
James A. Robbins II, of Searsmont, Maine, is president of Robbins Lumber, Inc., a fully integrated log yard, sawmill, dry kilns and planer mill that produces Eastern White Pine. Robbins Lumber owns and manages 27,000 acres of timberland. Additionally, Jim is the manager of Georges River Energy, LLC, a biomass power plant that burns wood waste in order to produce electrical power.
Jim was elected director in 2019 to a term expiring in 2023. He is also member of the Northeast Lumber Manufacturers Association (NELMA). Previously, he was chair of Maine’s SFI Implementation Committee and past president of the Maine Wood Products Association.
James A. Robbins II, of Searsmont, Maine, is president of Robbins Lumber, Inc., a fully integrated log yard, sawmill, dry kilns and planer mill that produces Eastern White Pine. Robbins Lumber owns and manages 27,000 acres of timberland. Additionally, Jim is the manager of Georges River Energy, LLC, a biomass power plant that burns wood waste in order to produce electrical power.
Jim was elected director in 2019 to a term expiring in 2023. He is also member of the Northeast Lumber Manufacturers Association (NELMA). Previously, he was chair of Maine’s SFI Implementation Committee and past president of the Maine Wood Products Association.
Member Of:
Member Of:
Terry R. Zittel
Terry R. Zittel, of Eden, N.Y., was elected as a director in 2018, to a term expiring in 2022.
Terry is corporate secretary and business manager of Amos Zittel & Sons, Inc., a wholesale vegetable, flower and retail market business growing 300 acres of fresh market vegetables, including sweet corn, peppers, lettuce, cabbage, broccoli, brussel sprouts and squash, and a certified organic crop of mini cukes and hot peppers. They also have three acres of greenhouse growing two million rooted liners of 950 vegetative annual varieties for Ball Seed®, and wholesale finished spring pots.
Terry R. Zittel, of Eden, N.Y., was elected as a director in 2018, to a term expiring in 2022.
Terry is corporate secretary and business manager of Amos Zittel & Sons, Inc., a wholesale vegetable, flower and retail market business growing 300 acres of fresh market vegetables, including sweet corn, peppers, lettuce, cabbage, broccoli, brussel sprouts and squash, and a certified organic crop of mini cukes and hot peppers. They also have three acres of greenhouse growing two million rooted liners of 950 vegetative annual varieties for Ball Seed®, and wholesale finished spring pots.
Member Of:
Mission
The Ag Initiatives Committee is established by and reports to the Board of Directors of Farm Credit East ("FCE"). It is tasked with responsibilities related to providing Board oversight/direction to Farm Credit East’s special initiatives for enhancing customer value, meeting our public policy purpose and contributing to the larger industries and communities Farm Credit East serves. These initiatives include: Young, Beginning, Small, and Veteran Farmer Program (YBSV); Farm Start LLP; Northeast Farm Credit AgEnhancement; Farm Credit East Scholarship Program; Knowledge Exchange; and others that may be assigned by the Chair of the Board.
The AgInitiatives Committee shall report to and make recommendations to the full Board of Directors as appropriate.
