DOVER — The Delaware Farm Bureau held the annual Celebration of Harvest Banquet Dec. 9 at the Modern Maturity Center for members, sponsors and changemakers.

“This is a great time for us to gather and celebrate our shared accomplishments and even meet new friends as we head into the new year,” Delaware Farm Bureau President Bill Powers said.

Led by Mr. Powers and Master of Ceremonies Mark Isaacs, the event featured a meal catered by the Modern Maturity Center, music by Captain Mike, live and silent auctions supporting the Young Farmers & Ranchers Committee and Delaware Farm Bureau Foundation, and awards honoring the dedication of Delaware Farm Bureau members and supporters.

American Farm Bureau Federation’s Vice President of Public Policy Sam Kieffer gave the keynote address to attendees and highlighted the importance of advocacy work by Farm Bureau members all over the country.

“I’m going to talk a lot about bipartisanship tonight because that’s what we need to get across the party line,” he said. “In order to get anything done in the debate, the house can’t govern alone.

“To get anything done in the debate, it’s got to be bipartisan. Your American Farm Bureau is working hard to get a resolution for the Farm Bill because the longer we go, the harder it will be once [presidential] candidates are chosen.”

He said the Farm Bureau is an example of bipartisanship at work as members get together to discuss and vote on important issues each year, just as members of Congress do in Washington, D.C.

“I think how Farm Bureau operates is a great model to follow. It's our job to convince the majority of our peers and at the end of the day, majority rules. In the spirit of our organization, even if we disagree, we continue to row in the same direction until the next year when we try to change it again,” he said.

Emphasizing the importance of not just advocacy at the state and national levels, but between neighbors, as well, Mr. Kieffer said that sharing stories is what helps the Farm Bureau continue to thrive.

“I cannot tell your story. Don Clifton [DEFB executive director] cannot tell your story the way you can. I ask you to keep showing up when you can. It is important. It matters. And what also matters is visiting with your friends and neighbors and telling them what is all about,” he said. “Our team in Washington is relevant because of you and because of your counterparts. . . Tell your story and bring others with you.”

Molly Lynch, chair of the Young Farmers & Ranchers Committee, honored the committee's supporter and member of the year.

Don Jackson accepted the 2023 Supporter of the Year Award on behalf of Ag Industrial. Casey Collier received the 2023 Member of the Year Award.

Ms. Lynch said Young Farmers & Ranchers members and supporters alike are "hard working agriculture professionals and advocates." She said their dedication to the Farm Bureau is often done simultaneously while working full-time jobs, raising families, offering a supportive presence to the community and creating a thriving agriculture business of their own.

President Powers and Donna King of King Crop Insurance in Georgetown announced the state winner for the Distinguished Service to Ag award for 2023 — Jackie King.

Donna King detailed how her little sister, Jackie King, took up the farming cause with the guidance of their mother after their father passed away, leading her to a busy insurance career focused on agriculture.

Over the years, she has worked closely with 4-H and FFA groups, helping shape the next generation of agriculture. She has also advocated for farmers both in Delaware and nationally.

"She knows like we do that it's very important to have a voice in every room," Donna King said of her sister's involvement in the industry.

Recently, Jackie and Donna teamed up with their sisters Nancy and Bonny to create the King Foundation which preserves farming stories through audio and visual recordings.

"This award is an honor to me and I really appreciate it. I really want to say that the distinguished people are the people in this room," Jackie King said with a nod to banquet attendees.

Former Kent County Farm Bureau President Jacob Urian honored the statewide Farm Family of the Year awardee for 2023 — Paul Cartanza, Sr.

Mr. Urian described how Mr. Cartanza watched him grow up on the farm.

"My dad worked for Shadybrook Farms when I was just a young tike. I enjoyed going down there riding," he said.

Now it was Mr. Urian's turn to watch Mr. Cartanza step up for a new ride.

"I just want to thank you very much for this award. It's been a long time. My father started farming back in the 50s and now I'm able to move on to another adventure. I'm blessed to be able to do the things I can do," Mr. Cartanza said. "I love my family and I'm just proud that I have a good family and kids that want to work on the farm."

Along with his wife Jan, Mr. Cartanza owns and operates Lazy Day Farms in Dover and is Delaware Farm Bureau's second vice president.

He has also served as the chairman of the Delaware Potato Board and currently serves on the Governor’s Council for Agriculture, Council of Farm Organizations and Kent County Farm Bureau Board.

Lazy Day Farms currently farms 1200 acres, growing corn, soybeans, and wheat, and processing vegetables. In 2017, they added a grain elevator to the operation.

Currently, they are working with third and fourth generation farmers of Shadybrook Farms, Paul, Jr. and granddaughter Taylor, to dry and store grains.

Along with everyday farming activities, the Cartanza's collaborate with researchers from the University of Delaware so they can analyze their soil to identify salinity concerns as a result of rising sea levels.

Master of Ceremonies Mr. Isaacs announced the statewide winner of the new Young Farm Family Achievement: Excellence in Agriculture Award — the Theodore "Teddy" Bobola family.

"This couple has had a long tenure in the agricultural field, even prior to their marriage," Mr. Isaacs said.

Both Teddy and Rebecca Bobola participated in the FFA growing up, along with other activities. Now, they are active Young Farmers & Ranchers Committee members within the Delaware Farm Bureau and both served in leadership roles during their tenure. They are also active members of their church and community.

Mr. Bobola holds a degree in agricultural business and works full-time on the family farm west of Dover where they have five chicken houses and more than 1,500 acres of farmland.

Ms. Bobola has a degree in fisheries and wildlife management and works full-time as an environmental scientist for the Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control in the Division of Water, Wetlands and Subaqueous Section while also working around the farm with the family.

"It's just an honor. Thank you for this award. It's a family effort just to get my kids here," Mr. Bobola said. "It just makes me think of each generation. I thank my parents for the opportunities we've had."

For more information, visit defb.org.