JOHN LIMA HAS SPENT HIS CAREER building ecosystems. After decades constructing sports fields and waste treatment facilities, in 2007 he turned his focus to restoring a stretch of land bordering nearly a mile of the Neshanic River in Hillsborough Township, Somerset County. What began by purchasing a few heifers has grown into Lima Family Farms, where John and his family now raise hundreds of cattle, pigs, and over 10,000 chickens and turkeys annually.
Like the river that links the farm to Raritan Bay and the downstream communities who rely on its water, the farm has become a vital connection point—for loyal customers and for central New Jersey’s agricultural community. In recognition of these interconnections, John sought and recently received River Friendly Farm certification from North Jersey RC&D.
The Limas know water quality doesn’t begin at the riverbank. Their farm has several ephemeral streams, which swell during heavy rains diverted from Amwell Road. To slow runoff from charging headlong into the river, they’ve constructed berms from wood, soil and compost. They also maintain wide buffers along the waterways, tending and planting trees. Next spring, they’re planting 2,000 more trees for cattle shade and diverse habitat for wildlife.
Since the Lima family began stewarding the land, their soils’ organic matter has tripled, which allows each of their 460 acres to absorb and slowly release an additional 80,000 gallons of water, the amount from three inches of rain. Offal from their on-farm abattoir and hand-butchery facility, mixed with wood chips and leaves, creates rich compost, which is re-distributed on their pastures to boost soil health. Decades of rotational grazing, beginning with those first few heifers, have further enhanced soil fertility.
John’s roots in land care are deep. Through his construction business, he learned to grow grass and mulch hay for restoration projects. “I know how to grow grass,” he says, a skill that seeded today’s thriving, diverse farm. The farm does its part to protect waterways by keeping fields lushly covered with abundant grasses. Capturing sunlight with diverse vegetation also promotes natural water cycling.
Growing a successful farm business takes more than hard work in the fields. It means forging strong partnerships with local institutions, supporting fellow farmers, and raising healthy livestock to satisfy a bustling on-farm market with high-quality, flavorful meat. Every connection, from thousands of customers to collaborators to being a trusted neighbor, strengthens the farm’s deep ties to the land and its river.
WANT TO FIND OTHER RIVER FRIENDLY CERTIFIED FARMS OR WANT TO BECOME CERTIFIED?
For more information visit north jerseyrcd.org/river-friendly-farms
