Sunflower Alert! Brodhecker Farm reports the first of three fields in bloom

They're finally here!
Brodhecker Farm
2 Branchville-Lawson Road
Newton, New Jersey

Last year, thousands of people stopped along the Route 15 roadside to drink in the nature's beauty as seven acres of sunflowers burst into color. Hundreds more visited the seven acre farm field.  Brodhecker Farm welcomes visitors to enjoy the beauty of nature's colorful display at the farm location again this year as the first of the 2011 sunflower crop has come into full bloom. Ample parking has been made available right at the farm. A short stroll along the edge of the field brings visitors to the best viewing/photo vantage point. A viewing platform is in place for your convenience. The farm is open seven days a week. See the website for farm hours and location.

Brodhecker Farm plants and harvests the sunflower crop for their wild bird birdseed product. Sold in conjunction with NJ Audubon and under the Brodhecker Birdseed label, the sunflower seed is available to customers at the farm store location throughout the year. 


Seven acres of sunflowers were planted at the Hampton Township farm earlier this season. An additional 17 acres were planted at the same time in two additional locations, however, a devastating crop failure necessitated a complete replanting of those  fields. This pushed back the time line on bloom and harvest for this important cash crop. 

Farmers face many challenges. Even the best thought out plans can be impacted by unanticipated events which could devastate harvest and a  farmer's bottom line. Field crop failure in New Jersey -where the growing season is quite specific- can cause tremendous economic loss.

In an attempt to recover the initial 17 acre loss, Brodhecker Farm replanted  fields in both locations and hoped their additional efforts would prove successful. It seems they have. Acres of sunflower heads appear just about ready to open. Within a few weeks, Sussex County will be treated to an encore performance of Mother Nature's best! Later this fall-barring any significant weather or wildlife damage-Brodhecker's will harvest an abundance of seed for their bird seed line.


Sussex Naturally will keep you posted on the progress and the location of the two upcoming bloom events. For now, enjoy the spectacular "show" right at the farm. Please remember that the flowers are intended as a cash crop. Enjoy the beauty, but don't pick the flowers!.