Lauren Jarowicz of Lebanon in Hunterdon County has been named the 2024 New Jersey Agricultural Fair Ambassador by the Agricultural Fair Association of New Jersey. The 22-year-old Lincoln Technical Institute nursing student will visit the state's agricultural fairs in 2024, promoting agriculture to the public and supporting local farmers.
“Lauren’s extensive involvement in various youth agricultural organizations throughout the years has prepared her for this important role during our state’s agricultural fair season,” said New Jersey Secretary of Agriculture Ed Wengryn. “The Ag Fair Ambassador is a leading representative for ag education in the Garden State.”
Jarowicz served as the Hunterdon County 4-H and Agricultural Fair Ambassador in 2023 and was vice-president of her local FFA chapter from 2018-2020. She has won individual and team competitions in FFA horse judging and is currently co-leader of the Hunterdon County 4-H Beef Club.
“Agriculture has taught me leadership, hard work, perseverance, and given me confidence,” Jarowicz said. “I started riding horses at the age of 4, and little did I know that was the tip of the iceberg.”
A graduate of Voorhees High School and Hunterdon County Polytech, where she studied animal science, Jarowicz founded both the Hunterdon County Hogs Club and Hunterdon County Beef Club. She has also been a member of several other clubs including Centaurs Horse Club, Round Valley Riders, Junior Leaders, and Kick Butt Kids Club.
“I spent most of my years in 4-H competing in public speaking and horse knowledge-based competitions,” Jarowicz said. “My last year of 4-H my county decided to start a beef club and I couldn’t wait to join.”
Jarowicz's passion for agriculture led her to purchase three cows for her 4-H project, starting her own herd with aspirations to raise cattle and grow crops in the future.
“After a couple of months of owning my herd, I decided this is what I want to do for the rest of my life,” she said. “Without agriculture, I never would have found my God-given purpose. I hope to one day run a fully self-sufficient farm not only raising livestock but crops as well while educating the public on the importance of agriculture.”
She aims to share her passion for agriculture with others to enhance their understanding of its necessity.
“I believe more and more people need to be educated on agriculture and the importance of farming because most people don’t know how it impacts their everyday lives,” she said. “It is my way of life and has taught me so many life lessons. Without agriculture, I wouldn’t be who I am today.”
This marks the 20th year that an ambassador has been named by the Agricultural Fair Association of New Jersey. The selection seeks young individuals active in agriculture within their county fair communities.
Nineteen agricultural fairs are scheduled throughout New Jersey this summer, including the New Jersey State Fair at Sussex County Fairgrounds. The fair season runs through mid-September. A full listing can be found at https://bit.ly/4eHf7Jp.
