2004: William Anderson Family

Credit: Executive Office of the Governor

Family Name: The William Anderson Family

The Anderson’s operate Wimberly Farms, Inc. a 4,000-acre farming operation that features 1,200 acres of corn, 1,500 acres of soybeans, 600 acres of wheat, 250 acres of barley and 450 acres of timber. Production is enhanced by a 200-bushel per hour seed processing facility and 500,000 bushel grain drying and storage facility. The operation sells seed at the wholesale and retail levels. The cornerstone on which the operation was built is the custom harvesting business, which includes planting, spraying, hauling and seed cleaning. Over the years, no-till has been incorporated on half of the acreage, with benefits such as soil conservation, risk of drought stress and increased productivity of equipment and labor. Technological advances, which include computers, data transmission network, on-board equipment computers and global positioning system, maintain an extensive database to be utilized in the farming operation. For the Anderson’s, farming is not just an occupation, but a way of life. For four generations the Andreson’s have contributed to local, state, and national organizations such as Maryland Crop Improvement Association, Somerset County School Board, Somerset County Farm Bureau, Maryland Soybean Board, Manokin Presbyterian Church, Somerset Ruritan Club, Farm Service Agency, Critical Area Commission and Lions Club. Both the Anderson’s son Kevin and daughter-in-law, Elizabeth, were state and national Agriculture Achievement award winners and runners-up in the Farm Bureau program.

Ceremony Date: 2/3/05