Delaware Gov. John Carney and Lt. Gov. Bethany Hall-Long were on hand to see state Rep. Quinton Johnson accept the New Castle County Farm Bureau’s Distinguished Service to Agriculture Award.

This year’s Farm Family of the Year is the William Walther family for continuing the farming tradition despite pressure from developers.

Five generations of the Walther family have farmed in Bear, Del. William “Bill” Walther has been on the family farm all his life.

The farm was purchased in 1876 by Bill's grandfather. William Walther took over the farm and then Bill took over the operation when his father died.

Bill and his older sister, Sylvia, farmed together until she died in 2014. They also farmed three family members’ properties on Walther Road until they were sold.

After that, the family discontinued the dairy operation and turned to beef cattle and produce. It was about this time that Bill’s nephew, Wally Gott, and his sons, Fran and Matt, started to help with the operation.

About 10 years ago, Bill turned over the cattle and field crops operation to Wally and his oldest son; Bill continues to run the produce business.

The Walthers have been involved with 4-H since 1929 when the Bear 4-H Club was started. The Walthers have allowed 4-H kids to house livestock projects on the farm and they lease cattle to Bear club members.

“The Walthers have done more in teaching urban people about agriculture than just about anyone in the state,” said Bill Powers, vice president of Delaware Farm Bureau. “Most people don’t open their farms like that, and the family is still doing it.”

Supporter of agriculture

Quinton Johnson was elected in 2008 to the Delaware House of Representatives, representing the greater Middletown area.

Johnson has sponsored or co-sponsored more than 20 legislative actions in support of agriculture. The bills and bond actions cover farmland preservation, aquaculture, horse racing, seed viability regulations, ag research and more. 

HONORED FOR AG SERVICE: Rep. Quinton Johnson (center), recipient of the Distinguished Service to Agriculture Award, poses at the organization’s annual banquet Oct. 14 with state Sens. Dave Wilson (left) and Stephanie Hansen, Lt. Gov. Bethany Hall-Long, Gov. John Carney and Stewart Ramsey.

Johnson earned a bachelor’s degree from Salisbury State University’s Perdue School of Business. A former farmer, Johnson and his wife, Julie, started Tender Loving Kare Child Care and Learning Center in 1994. They now have three locations.

Source: New Castle County Farm Bureau, which is solely responsible for the information provided and is wholly owned by the source. Informa Business Media and all its subsidiaries are not responsible for any of the content contained in this information asset.