Delaware Farm Families Continue Multi-Generational Tradition of Feeding Communities

Nearly all American farms remain family-owned operations, with agricultural traditions passing from parents to children across generations. Local Delaware farmers like those at Bishop Farms in Felton exemplify this legacy, building trust with consumers who value knowing where their food originates.

The agricultural industry extends far beyond just growing crops – it represents generations of families dedicated to nourishing their local communities. Data from the 2022 Agriculture Census reveals that family-owned and operated farms account for 95% of all U.S. agricultural operations, demonstrating that America’s food supply stems primarily from multi-generational family businesses.

Many farmers explain their career choice simply by stating they’ve never known anything else. The profession typically transfers from parents to children, with young people spending countless childhood hours alongside family members learning the trade from tractor seats. These formative experiences and family bonds form the foundation of what agricultural workers cherish most about their profession.

Megan Bishop from Bishop Farms in Felton shared her story during a Stories from the Field Podcast interview: “When I was about 12 years old, [my dad] came and got me and said he needed some help mowing some corn stalks and he put me in a tractor and I just started going and ever since I don’t think I’ve left.”

Local communities particularly appreciate agriculture because of the personal relationships they can build with food producers. Modern consumers increasingly seek transparency about their food’s origins and production methods. Direct farmer relationships provide reassurance that their meals come from caring, responsible sources.

Camden resident Jessie Redden expressed this sentiment, saying: “I love the idea of being able to grow my own or purchase my food locally know how it was raised.”

These bonds between farming families and their neighbors form agriculture’s backbone. The industry encompasses more than food production – it cultivates community relationships, maintains cultural heritage, and guarantees future generations will benefit from the same quality and trust standards valued today.

Ultimately, agriculture’s enduring appeal stems from its timeless qualities: families collaborating across generations, neighbors supporting local producers, and collective satisfaction in understanding food origins and the dedication required to bring it to our tables.