1997: W. Blan & Francis Harcum

Credit: Executive Office of the Governor

Family Name: The Harcum Family

Blan and Louise Harcum are the owners of Beechnut Farms in Wicomico County. The Harcums have been farming for 54 years and the farm has been in the family for 330 years. They operate a 700 acre dairy and vegetable farm known for its quality of production and conservation practices. The farm has soil and water conservation plans, uses crop rotation, nutrient management an integrated pest management. Each year students come from all over Wicomico County to discover where milk comes from and what lambs really look like. “This is as close as some of these kids get (to animals),” Harcum said. “Most of these kids live in the city (Salisbury) and don’t get to see a farm.” In the last six years more than 9,000 school children have visited their farm. The Harcums are active in all facets of agriculture as well as their church and other community organizations. Mr. Harcum currently serves as president of the Wicomico County Farm Bureau. He is also a member of the Wicomico County Republican Central Committee, Masonic Lodge and Tall Cedars, 4-H All Stars, Southern Delaware Truck Growers Association, Emmanuel United Methodist Church and several other political and dairy associated organizations. Mrs. Harcum, currently a school teacher, is also an education leader for the American Association of University Women.

Ceremony Date: 2/5/1998