1996: William Sutton Family

Credit: Executive Office of the Governor

Family Name: The Sutton Family

 The Suttons, with their son Billy Jr., own and operate Bittersweet Dairy Farm north of Chestertown and have done so for 42 years. The dairy and grain farm are in its third generation and consists of more than 300 tillable acres. At the age of nine, Bill Sr. started his Holstein breeding program with only $25. When he turned 18, he took over the management of his father’s herd along with his own herd. Bill Sr. served as a Kent County Commissioner from 1990 to 1994 and was president for 16 months. He played a central role in the creation of the county’s new range Comprehensive Plan. Bill has also served on boards of many local and regional organizations, including the Kent County Soil Conservation District, president of the Maryland Association of Soil Conservation Districts, Maryland 4-H All Stars and the Kent County Planning Commission. Ann has been equally active in the Kent County Fair, Maryland Association of Soil Conservation District Auxiliary, and many other groups. The family was recognized as “Master Farmers” by the Pennsylvania Farm Magazine in 1980.

Ceremony Date: 2/6/1997