Our Farm

We believe Riamede Farm was the first pick-your-own apple orchard in New Jersey, having first opened its orchards to the public during harvest back in 1974. We have apple pickers who arrive today with their young child in tow and tell us that Riamede Farm was their favorite fall outing when they were their child’s age!

Our farm comprises 68 acres with half of our orchards still nurturing big old seedling apple trees planted over a half century ago by Lowry and Maria Mead in the 1940s. The old trees are genuine antiques and provide our farm with a 19th century feeling. Riamede’s acreage has been a farm since the late 1700s, and we’re proud to continue to uphold that agricultural heritage.

We are a peaceful, quiet old-time apple orchard with a pumpkin field out back. Simple, authentic, and without the carnival.

Our Team

Ashley Asdal

Ashley owns Riamede Farm. After growing up in Chester, she graduated from the US Naval Academy in 2009 and Harvard's Kennedy School of Government in 2011. While serving as a naval officer, she led units of more than 300 people on carrier strike group deployments across the globe, winning numerous personal and unit awards. After spending eleven years on active-duty service in the Navy, she is now applying her leadership and problem-solving skills to growing beautiful apples and pumpkins for her you-pick customers. When she's not helping customers, you can find her on the farm's 72-inch mower with her 2-year-old son.

Sustainability

We are committed to running a sustainable business that enriches the land that we farm. In the service of this goal, we employ an Integrated Pest Management program in partnership with Rutgers Extension services. Some of our practices include:

  • Annual crop rotation

  • Minimal tillage

  • Cover cropping

  • Pollinator-friendly practices

  • Focusing on local foods in our store

  • Improving access to all consumers through SNAP and Good Food Bucks