Celebrating Diversity in Agriculture and Innovation with World-Renowned Animal Scientist and Advocate Dr. Temple Grandin

The Vegetable Growers Association of New Jersey (VGANJ) has rebranded its annual event to the Northeast Agricultural Expo and Education. The name change was intended to be more inclusive of other commodities and states. This year’s theme is “Together We Are Stronger,” emphasizing the expansion of different sectors and overall footprint. The summit will take place at Harrah’s Convention Center in Atlantic City from January 20-23.

Workshops are scheduled on integrated pest management, farm labor and regulations, on-farm food safety, and pesticide safety. “We’ve expanded sessions covering vegetables, livestock, dairy, soil health, high tunnels, and more – reflecting the full diversity of Northeast agriculture,” said Darcy Perehinys, Secretary of the VGANJ.

In celebration of the 2026 International Year of the Female Farmer, the Distinguished Keynote Speaker for the event will be Dr. Temple Grandin, headlining a luncheon on Thursday during the Expo.

Dr. Temple Grandin is a renowned American animal scientist, autism advocate, and one of the most influential autistic individuals alive. Diagnosed with autism as a toddler when it was widely misunderstood, she was nonverbal until age four but, thanks to intensive therapy and her mother’s advocacy, excelled academically. A professor of animal science at Colorado State University, Grandin revolutionized livestock handling with humane, curved-chute systems that reduce animal stress. Nearly half of North America’s cattle now pass through facilities she designed.

“In lieu of her diagnosis, she is a world-renowned innovator and scientist for livestock. This event will be more than a lecture; it’s an invitation to think differently about problem-solving, agriculture, and our food system,” said Perehinys of Grandin. “She is one of the most influential voices in agriculture and livestock welfare.”

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Through bestselling books like “Thinking in Pictures” (1995) and “Emergence: Labeled Autistic” (1986), TED talks, and the 2010 HBO biopic starring Claire Danes, Grandin became a leading voice for neurodiversity, presenting autism as a different way of thinking rather than a deficit. She continues speaking worldwide on autism, animal welfare, and embracing neurological differences.

For more information on this Expo, visit here.

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