TOWNSEND — The Puglisi Family of Middletown, Thomas Carper of Wilmington, and Carl Ramsey of Wilmington were honored at the New Castle County Farm Bureau annual banquet held on Oct. 14 at Townsend Fire Hall.

The Puglisi family was named the Farm Family of the Year. Their business began as a door-to-door egg delivery service in New York City, eventually expanding in the 1950s into a full-scale egg production operation.

In 2008, they further grew their operations by acquiring Delaware Egg Farm in Middletown.

Today, the third generation of the Puglisi family is focused on diversifying their production, with an emphasis on organic and cage-free options. The family maintains a strong commitment to agricultural excellence and community involvement. Family members actively serve on the boards of the United Egg Producers and the American Egg Board.

When accepting the award, Tom Puglisi said, “Farm Bureau has been a great partner and help to our family. It’s great to know we have such a strong organization behind us.”

The Honorable Thomas Carper was recognized with the Distinguished Service to Agriculture award for his dedicated advocacy for agriculture and rural development throughout his extensive career in public service.

During his nearly 24 years as a U.S. Senator, Carper has consistently worked on behalf of Delaware’s farmers, recognizing the critical role agriculture plays in both the local community and the broader economy. He has led multiple legislative initiatives to support and protect the farming sector.

In addition to his legislative efforts, Sen. Carper regularly meets with Delaware farmers, visiting family farms and roundtable discussions to gain firsthand insight into the challenges faced by the agriculture industry. His direct engagement with farmers has helped him better understand and address their concerns.

Through his work, Sen. Carper has made a lasting impact on Delaware's agricultural landscape, promoting policies that foster economic growth, environmental stewardship, and the well-being of rural communities.

Upon receiving the award, he said, “One of my joys is to make sure people are happy and healthy and making sure that they have access to healthy food. For the folks here that are feeding us and being such good stewards, thanks for what you do and thanks for letting me serve you.”

Mr. Ramsey was recognized as the county’s Rising Star. As the sixth generation on his family’s farm, Ramsey’s Farm, he has played a crucial role in its growth since returning from Pennsylvania State University. He has been significant in expanding the farm’s social media presence, which now has over 9,000 followers on Facebook.

Earlier this year, he and his family were recognized with the Family Service Award from the Fruit & Vegetable Growers Association of Delaware. Mr. Ramsey is also a dedicated supporter of the Ministry of Caring, helping to provide fresh produce to Wilmington residents.

Mr. Ramsey has been a member of Farm Bureau for 5 years and serves as the secretary on the New Castle County Board of Directors. He has been actively involved in planning various county and state Farm Bureau events, including the Delaware Farm Bureau Foundation’s Milk Run and the New Castle County Beef and Beer Fundraiser.

Mr. Ramsey said, “I’m going to keep on farming!”

For more information on New Castle County Farm Bureau, visit defb.org/about-us/counties/newcastle-county-farm-bureau/.