The Sussex County Farm Bureau proudly honored the late Richard Wilkins and his family at their Annual Banquet on October 6 at the Millsboro Fire Hall, presenting them with two of their most prestigious awards: Farm Family of the Year and the Distinguished Service to Agriculture Award.
Richard Wilkins was a lifelong advocate for agriculture whose leadership and service left a lasting impact on Delaware and beyond. He operated B&W Ag Enterprises, Inc., farmed in Kent and Sussex Counties, and maintained a 120-head cow-calf beef herd.
In 2025, Richard Wilkins was appointed State Executive Director of the USDA Farm Service Agency in Delaware, where he oversaw key agricultural programs statewide. He also held national leadership roles with the American Soybean Association, representing U.S. farmers on global platforms. His Farm Bureau service included terms as Kent County President and State President from 2018 to 2022, where he advocated for agricultural policy and mentored future leaders.
Wilkins’s legacy was built not only through his public service but also through the support of his wife, Donna Wilkins, whose dedication to their farm and family made his work possible. The Wilkins family embodies the values of hard work, unity, and service that define Delaware’s agricultural community.
“Richard was a major, personal influence, strengthening my own passion for Delaware agriculture, even on the national stage,” said Sussex County Farm Bureau President Steve Breeding.
Sussex County Farm Bureau also recognized Graycen Malchow, recipient of this year’s Rate of Gain Award in the Goat 4-H division. Representing the County Seat 4-H Club, Graycen’s goat achieved an impressive average daily gain of 0.40 pounds.
For more information on Sussex County Farm Bureau, visit https://defb.org/about-us/counties/sussex-county-farm-bureau/.
