Lauren Jarowicz, a resident of Lebanon in Hunterdon County, has been appointed as the 2024 New Jersey Agricultural Fair Ambassador. The Agricultural Fair Association of New Jersey selected the 22-year-old Lincoln Technical Institute nursing student for this role.
In her new position, Jarowicz will visit agricultural fairs across the state in 2024 to promote agriculture and support local farmers. The fair season kicks off this week with events such as the LEAD Fest State Fair and the Stars and Stripes Livestock Show.
"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."
Previously, 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 also excelled in FFA horse judging competitions and co-leads the Hunterdon County 4-H Beef Club.
"Agriculture has taught me leadership, hard work, perseverance, and given me confidence," Jarowicz stated. Her journey began at age four with horseback riding, which sparked her interest in agriculture.
Jarowicz graduated from Voorhees High School and Hunterdon County Polytech with a focus on animal science. She founded several clubs including the Hunterdon County Hogs Club and Beef Club while participating in others like Centaurs Horse Club and Junior Leaders.
Her passion led her to purchase three cows for a 4-H project, forming her own herd. "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 expressed. She aims to manage a self-sufficient farm that educates others about agriculture's significance.
"I believe more people need to be educated on agriculture because most don’t know how it impacts their everyday lives," she added. For Jarowicz, agriculture is not just an industry but a way of life that has shaped who she is today.
This marks the 20th year that an ambassador has been named by the Agricultural Fair Association of New Jersey. The association seeks ambassadors who represent young people active in agriculture within their 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.
