Get to Know the Farmers Down Walther Road

While farms in New Castle County may not be as plentiful as they once where—or as visible—we still have neighbors who for generations have made their living from the earth. One such agricultural family is the sister and brother farming team of Sylvia and Bill Walther—the third generation of Walthers to live and work the 109-acre family farm in Bear. Their place on Walther Road is a familiar landmark to people who grew up here as well as to newcomers, because for more than 50 summers, the two have sold fresh fruits and vegetables, and flowers at their roadside stand to neighbors and passers-by.

A few years back the Walther's acreage was designated a Century Farm—a distinction bestowed by the state to honor Delaware families that have farmed their land continuously for more than 100 years. The farming operation, which Sylvia and Bill's grandfather established in 1876, has changed over the years. While the Walthers still grow corn, barley and hay to feed their herd of beef cattle, they have given up their dairy operation. That ended in 1990 with an increase in local traffic, the result of a residential building boom on Route 40. You see, Walther Road cuts through their farm. They pastured the dairy herd across the road from the barn, stopping traffic twice a day to lead the cows over. People in cars were too impatient to wait, so Bill and Sylvia gave up the cows rather than fight suburban developments that now surround their farm. One activity the two have no intention of giving up, however, is their involvement in 4-H. Sylvia is the leader of the oldest 4-H club in New Castle County. The Bear 4-H Club, which was founded in 1929, was the one Sylvia and Bill belonged to as children. Now 73, Sylvia took over club leadership from her mother. That was 55 years ago and more than 1,400 4-H'ers ago.

Through New Castle County 4-H, Sylvia and Bill have welcomed suburban youngsters to their farm to learn firsthand what it's like to take care of livestock. They generously share their farm and expertise because they care about children and know their farm is an experience the kids wouldn't get otherwise. In 1998 Sylvia and Bill were named 4-H Adult Volunteers of the Year for Delaware.

While the farm has a long history, the Walthers certainly are not stuck in the past! Always eager for new farming techniques and strategies, Bill recently requested information on drip- irrigation systems. He wanted to improve production efficiency and water conservation on his farm. During a visit a few weeks later, Bill eagerly showed me the system he had installed in one production area and which he plans to expand with time and experience. Sylvia and Bill Walther are the kind of farmers—small family farmers—on which this state and country were built—dedicated, generous of spirit, entrepreneurial, hard-working and independent. Stop by the roadside market on Walther Road in the next few weeks. As you pick up a variety of fresh-picked locally produced fruits and vegetables, also take away an appreciation of a family business that has changed with the times and continued to benefit the community in so many ways.

Carl Davis is Extension Educator, Agriculture
Originally published in “Newark Outlook,” The Newark Post

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Copyright © 2001 NCC Cooperative Extension. Last revised July 23, 2003 .