Burlington Review

The Burlington County Commissioners recently recognized a Mansfield farm for its notable efforts in land management and conservation. Honey Hound Orchards, located in Mansfield, received the annual Bill and Dorothy Pettit Farm Stewardship Award. This award is given to preserved farms whose owners show dedication to agricultural production and land stewardship.

Burlington County Commissioner Deputy Director Allison Eckel, who serves as the liaison to the Department of Resource Conservation and Parks, presented the award to Joe and Diane Savastano, owners of the orchard. The presentation took place during a Burlington County Agricultural Development Board meeting.

“Burlington County has preserved thousands of acres of farmland, but we know the job of maintaining the land and keeping it viable for agriculture falls to our farmers,” said Eckel. “Good stewardship takes a lot of time, hard work and resources. We are grateful for farmers like the Savastano family who are making this effort and setting examples for other landowners to follow. We commend them for helping to keep Burlington County green, beautiful and productive.”

Honey Hound Orchard spans 26 acres off Route 68 in Mansfield. Formerly known as Aaronson Farm, it joined the county's farmland preservation program in 2007. The Savastano family acquired it in 2018, transforming it into a 5,500-tree orchard that produces over 50 apple varieties alongside elderberries, blackberries, and black raspberries.

The farm also hosts more than 300 free-range hens and 25 bee hives. It sells honey, eggs, jams, syrups, and other products year-round from its barn. Notably free from pesticides, Honey Hound Orchards has developed over eight acres of pollinator habitat. It also implements various conservation activities such as using a drip irrigation system funded by the U.S. Department of Agriculture Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP), composting farm produce waste, mulching orchard rows, and maintaining habitats for wild bird species.

“Agriculture is a major part of Burlington County’s heritage, and we are thrilled to recognize farmers who are not only carrying on this tradition but also implementing environmentally-friendly conservation activities that benefit us all,” added Eckel.