The Burlington County Commissioners recognized a North Hanover farm for its outstanding land management and stewardship efforts.

The Infante Farm was selected as the recipient of the annual Bill and Dorothy Pettit Farm Stewardship Award recipient for 2025. The award is presented to the owners of a preserved farm that demonstrates a strong commitment to agricultural production and land stewardship.

Burlington County Commissioner Deputy Director Allison Eckel, liaison to the Department of Resource Conservation, Parks and Farmland Preservation, presented the award to farmer Joe Infante and his family on Wednesday during the Commissioners’ meeting.

“Burlington County is proud of the tens of thousands of acres of farmland that we’ve successfully protected, but we know the job of maintaining this land and keeping it productive falls to our farmers,” said Commissioner Eckel. “Good stewardship takes a lot of time, hard work and resources. We are grateful for farmers like the Infante family who are making this effort and setting an example for other farmers and landowners to follow. We commend you for all you do to keep Burlington County green, beautiful and productive.”

Infante Farm

Located off Croshaw Road in North Hanover, the 91-acre farm (formerly the Parker Farm) entered the County Farmland Preservation Program in 2007. Upon purchasing the property in 2008, the Infante family restored the farmhouse and converted the former grain farm into a successful field and hoophouse nursery operation.

In 2019 the family transformed the farm again, this time putting the farm into sod and row crop production. Former hoophouse sites were restored, and a center pivot irrigation system was installed. Modern pivot irrigation systems are considered to be more environmentally friendly because they maximize water-use efficiency. The systems can also be used to more precisely apply fertilizer, which reduces potential leeching into groundwater.

In addition to those investments, the family corrected significant erosion areas on the property through ditch maintenance and other activities.

“Agriculture is a major part of Burlington County’s history, culture and economy and we are excited to recognize farmers who are not only carrying on this tradition but also investing in conservation activities that keep their land sustainable,” said Commissioner Randy Brolo. “We all benefit from their hard work and commitment.”