Valley Farmers Cooperative & Farm Store

03/01/2026

See story about a local beekeeper - we are happy to carry her home-made balms in the farm store - check them out Sat/Sun 10-4

2026 is the National Year of the Woman Farmer! The New Jersey Department of Agriculture is proud to highlight women farmers across New Jersey who play an impactful role and continue to shape agriculture in the Garden State.

This spotlight features Tanya Cicerale of Lees Bees NJ, in Vernon, New Jersey.

🐝What type of farming operation for you run?
Beeker – Apiary

🐝How many years have you been farming?
8+ years

🐝Briefly describe your farm operation.
We manage over 50 hives all located in Sussex County. We sell our honey and make small batch products using beeswax and honey.

🐝What inspired you to become a farmer?
In 1999, I married into a family that had owned horses, goats, chickens and sheep. The had also had a garden for many years. My health began to decline. I was searching for a more natural way to live and treat my conditions. I use locally foraged herbs and our beeswax to make balms and salves. Our love of bees extends to educating the public on the importance of the honey bee. We teach and present locally and I am currently the president of the Sussex County Beekeepers Association. Women need to know that they are capable of holding a primary role in the field of agriculture. Through agriculture, I have learned to rely on the land and become more self sufficient. I have strived to teach my children the value in growing their own food and the importance of honey bees to our entire ecosystem.
🐝What advice would you give to other women considering a career in agriculture?
Start small. Pick one aspect that interests you and/or potentially solves an issue you are experiencing. Research and reach out to other farmers. The farming community is wonderful in NJ. Join a local organization to help build your knowledge and to share the spoils of your labor.

Follow Tanya at Lees Bees NJ at:
🔗leesbeesnj.com and leesbeesnj.etsy.com. 📲Facebook and Instagram

⭐Interested in being highlighted or know a woman farmer? Submit a spotlight using this form https://forms.gle/dEVMgwhBm2FAjWN26

Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO)

11/26/2022

Its been years in the making, but we are happy to finally have our new fencing up and some sheep grazing happily on the land. Read more about it here: https://conta.cc/3C6BTrp or stop by to have a look!

06/20/2022

Plentiful rains have given us a good hay crop this year behind the farm stand!

12/17/2021

We will have fresh bread available this weekend from Apple Ridge Farm! Asiago Garlic, Cranberry Walnut, Spelt Baguettes, Sourdough, Semolina, and more!

10/15/2021

Hi All- We are happy to be hosting some local artists and craftspeople this weekend for a pop-up market. Come check it out!

03/26/2021

A by-product of Cider Pressing is "apple pomace." Thank you to Pennings Farm Cidery & The Cidery Orchard for dropping this treat off for the pigs. They went hogwild for it!

06/14/2020

We are happy to host The Jolly Onion for a good old fashioned smoke-out on June 20th/21st from 10am-7pm. Food will be available for take-out and the farm will be open for those who want to pick a grassy spot to picnic on (at a safe social distance from one another with over 70+acres to choose from)

05/23/2020

We are happy to have eggs available from local producer: Vernon Valley Farm They raise Rhode Island Red Chickens outside on pasture. The eggs are brown and are laid in portable coops that get moved weekly to fresh grass.

04/23/2020

We are happy to have fresh maple syrup available from local producer: Tim Coalla (from just north of Port Jervis). It takes 40 gallons of tree sap to make 1 gallon of syrup!

03/14/2020

The Farm Store will be open this weekend from 10am to 4pm and is well stocked.