Farming in Colonial New Jersey: Mixed Agriculture

Diverse, Productive, Market-Oriented

New Jersey's fertile soil, moderate climate, and access to New York/Philadelphia markets made it a breadbasket colony practicing mixed farming — crops + livestock.

Major Crops

• Grains: Wheat (cash crop), corn, rye, oats, barley.
• Flax: Fiber for linen — important export.
• Orchards: Apples, peaches, cider production.
• Vegetables: For local/urban markets.

Livestock

• Cattle (beef, dairy, oxen), pigs, sheep (wool), horses.
• Grazed on salt meadows (coastal) and woodland pasture.

Labor & Land

• Small family farms (50–150 acres) dominant.
• Some large estates (East/West Jersey proprietors).
• Enslaved Africans (~8% pop. by 1776) — more in East Jersey.
• Indentured servants (early period).

Market Access

• Ports: Perth Amboy, Burlington, Salem.
• Wagon roads to NYC/Philly.
• Exported: flour, flaxseed, lumber, livestock, cider.

Legacy

"Garden State" nickname (1876) reflects this agricultural heritage — though suburbs now cover much prime farmland.