Photos are available for media use on Flickr.
DOVER – Four families which have owned their farms for at least 100 years were honored as Century Farms on Thursday in a ceremony honoring Delaware agriculture’s long heritage and historic roots.
“These families who farm generation after generation show a deep dedication and a love for the land,” Gov. Jack Markell said. “Looking back at Delaware’s agricultural history shows us how much we owe to those who came before us. I hope that their children and grandchildren will continue to carry on the tradition for many years to come.”
The inductions into the Century Farms Program bring the total number of farms recognized to 121, said Deputy Secretary of Agriculture Austin Short. The Century Farm Awards have been presented annually since 1987.
“These awards are testament to the dedication and hard work of many generations of Delaware families,” said Short, who heads the Department’s Planning and Preservation Section. “These farms are all still active and working, helping support Delaware agriculture through all these years. We hope that all of our Century Farms will continue to thrive and become 200-year farms.”
The families recognized Thursday at the Delaware Agricultural Museum & Village included:
>> The Pepper Family (Thomas and Elizabeth Pepper), which owns two farms, from both sides of the family. The Pepper Farm is 34 acres near Milton, in the family since 1879, and the Wilson Farm is 53 acres near Georgetown, in the family since 1876. Both now produce corn and soybeans.
>> The Wilson Family (State Rep. David L. and Carolyn Wilson), which owns a 105-acre farm near Georgetown, in the family since 1907 and now producing corn and soybeans.
>> The Walls Family (Mildred Walls), which owns a 54-acre farm near Greenwood, in the family since 1911 and now in grain production.
>> The Breeding Family (Chris and Karen Breeding), which owns a 12.75-acre farm near Greenwood, in the family since 1911 and now producing beef cattle.
Tributes were also presented to the families by state Reps. Harvey Kenton, Bobby Outten and John Atkins and state Sen. Gary Simpson, on behalf of himself and Sen. Joe Booth.
Century Farms must have been farmed by the same family for at least 100 years and must include at least 10 acres of the original parcel or gross more than $10,000 annually in agricultural sales.
“The stories that these families have to tell are a vibrant and vital part of Delaware’s rich history,” said guest speaker Thomas Summers, outreach services manager for the Delaware Public Archives. “Their farms and this program help make more people aware of the contributions of agriculture to our heritage and lives today.”
Photos are available for media use on Flickr.
Contact:
Dan Shortridge
Chief of Community Relations
Delaware Department of Agriculture
302-698-4520