DELMARVA - It was both informative and enjoyable getting to know the three farmers I spoke with while reporting this story. Each shared a strong passion for preserving farming, even as development continues to change Sussex County.
The Bennett and Magee farms, along with the families who operate them, have deep roots in Sussex County. Hearing their stories made it clear how closely tied farming is to the area’s history and identity.
As part of my reporting, I researched how much farmland exists today compared with the early and mid-20th century. That process took time because of the number of sources available, but it was impressive to see that Delaware state records dating back to 1910 can now be accessed online. Those records show a steady decline in farmland as development has increased.
I also wanted to understand the specific challenges farmers are facing as open space disappears. Henry Bennett shared one example that stood out to me. He explained that he now has deer fencing around his farm to keep crops from being eaten, something that was not an issue years ago. According to Bennett, with less open land available, deer are moving closer to farmland in search of food.
Through my conversations, I gained a better understanding of how narrow the farming calendar can be. Farmers have limited windows each year to make money from crops and poultry, with timing playing a critical role in whether a season is successful.
Despite the pressures from development and changing conditions, the farmers I spoke with remain committed to preserving agriculture in Sussex County for future generations.