Sussex County Farm Bureau holds annual meeting and banquet

The Sussex County Farm Bureau Annual Meeting and Banquet was held at the Bridgeville Fire Hall Oct. 3. Special guests included Rep. John Carney who spoke briefly to thank the Sussex County farmers for their hard work year in and year out.

This year the Parker family was selected as the 2015 Sussex County Farm Bureau Farm Family of the Year. Clifton Parker began farming full time in 1973 after returning home to his parents' farm in Frankford.

Parker has served as a Sussex County director and county delegate since becoming a member of the Farm Bureau in 1981. Today, along with his wife Constance, he grows corn, soybeans, wheat and broilers for Mountaire. Past accomplishments for the Parker Family include Delaware Tree Farmer of the Year, the Poultry Environmentalist Award and Grower of the Year for Golden Pride, Hudson Foods, Tyson Foods and Allen Family Foods.

Parker credited his father for giving him responsibilities and also the right to fail and succeed as a farmer.  “It is something I am forever grateful for. I love the land and protect the landowner’s rights whenever they are threatened. I want my children and grandchildren to have the ability to choose what they want to do with the land we own when I am no longer here," said Parker.

Mark Isaacs was named this year’s Distinguished Service to Agriculture award winner. Isaacs is a lifelong resident of Sussex County, born and raised on a family grain, poultry and hog farm in Georgetown. He received bachelor and master of science degrees in agronomy and soils from Clemson University and a doctorate in weed science from Virginia Tech.

In 1991, Isaacs became the director of University of Delaware’s Elbert N. & Ann V. Carvel Research and Education Center, which serves as the Southern Experiment Station for the UD College of Agriculture and Natural Resources in Sussex County. Isaacs has worked with numerous local and state officials to address and identify agricultural needs to ensure Delaware agriculture is strong and prepared for the future.

The Scott Carey Agency was named the Nationwide Top Recruiter with 54 new members joining Sussex County Farm Bureau.

Samantha Kirk was the sole winner in the Rate-of-Gain contest for her 4-H goat and hog. Kirk has also served as the 2014-15 Youth Ambassador for Sussex County and will continue supporting SCFB as ambassador in 2015-16.

For more information, go to www.defb.org or call 302-697-3183.