Step into the vibrant history of Simonson Farms, where each decade has its own story of perseverance and growth to tell!
In 1915, Edward “Bus” Simonson was born in Etra, NJ, marking the start of what would become Simonson Farms in Plainsboro, USA. Over the decades, this family-owned enterprise has faced fires, market collapses, and transitions, yet persevered to become a cornerstone of local agriculture.
Like the 1921 Lightning, where the farm lost the barn, two horses, a mule, a cow, five pigs and a lot of chickens.
-> 1910s-1930s: Foundations and Growth
Edward Simonson Sr. rented farms and farmed potatoes with his sons, Bus and Ray. In 1920, the family purchased the Dey Road “Home Farm” in Plainsboro, facing challenges like barn fires and financial burdens.
->1940s-1950s: Expansion and Innovation
The farm expanded its potato acreage significantly, reaching up to 300 acres without irrigation. Innovations like irrigation systems and packaging marked a shift towards modern agricultural practices. Christmas tree farming began in 1952 and grew substantially over the years with the acquisition of Anderson, Mason, Rue Grover, and Scott Farms.
->1960s-1980s: Challenges and Adaptation
Despite setbacks like barn fires and economic downturns, Simonson Farms diversified and managed to sustain its operations. The 1980s saw the sale of land due to market conditions, eventually leading to the end of potato farming in 1987.
->1990s-2010s: Preservation and Succession
The turn of the century brought new challenges and opportunities. Land preservation efforts, such as selling development rights, ensured the farm’s longevity. The passing of key figures like Ray Simonson in 1991 and Bus Simonson in 2001 marked transitions in leadership, with successors like Buster Simonson and later Rodger Jany taking the helm.
In 1995, the Ray Simonson Memorial was unveiled in the Plainsboro Community Park to pay tribute to Ray Simonson upon his dead and acknowledge his dedication towards
->Present and Future: Sustainability and Innovation
In recent years, Simonson Farms has embraced sustainability with initiatives like Center Pivot irrigation systems and mergers like Brown Dog Produce in 2013. Today, the farm continues to thrive under family stewardship, ensuring a legacy of agricultural excellence and community commitment.
As a story of testament of resilience through challenges and changes, the farm remains a vital part of Plainsboro’s agricultural heritage, promising a future built on a rich history of hard work and innovation.