New Jersey's agriculture business typically has challenges recruiting and maintaining employees for the long-term because it's a seasonal industry. But at Alstede Farms in Chester, 2021 has been a year like no other when it comes to finding help. Farms, like other businesses in the Garden State, have been feeling the pain of a labor shortage. Alstede Farms is struggling to fill roles, from cashiers for the retail store or pick-your-own operations, to administrative positions. Students are filling the labor gap at the 800-acre farm, at least for now. Get our free mobile app "We're going to see a big part of this band-aid ripped off and it's going to hurt," Kurt Alstede, owner and general manager, told New Jersey 101.5. "Once students go back, it's really going to be difficult."