Century Farm
Encyclopedia
A Century Farm or Centennial Farm is a farm
or ranch in the United States or Canada that has been officially recognized by a regional program documenting the farm has been continuously owned by a single family for 100 years or more. Some regions also have Sesquicentennial Farm (150 years) and Bicentennial Farm (200 years) programs.
In most states and provinces, the essential requirement for the award is that the property must have remained in the same family continuously for 100 years or more and currently be a working farm or ranch. Some states stipulate a minimum number of acres or annual agricultural sales.
, Century Farm recognition in the province of Ontario
was initiated as a Canadian Centennial project of the Junior Farmers' Association of Ontario (JFAO) in 1967.
, one of the first organizations to begin officially recognizing the farms was the New York State Agricultural Society in 1937. Several states began their programs during the United States Bicentennial
in 1976. Recognition from state to state varies. It is usually handled by the state's agriculture or natural resources department in conjunction with the American Farm Bureau Federation
and the Cooperative extension service
of the United States Department of Agriculture
, or the state's historical society. In other states, civic groups such as the Knights of Ak-Sar-Ben
perform the function. The awards are frequently done at the state fair
.
The award typically defines a farm as 40 acres (16.2 ha) or more and consists of a plaque and a sign as well as formal listing.
In Oregon, in addition to century farms and ranches, the Department of Agriculture
began to recognize sesquicentennial farms and ranches in 2008.
Farm
A farm is an area of land, or, for aquaculture, lake, river or sea, including various structures, devoted primarily to the practice of producing and managing food , fibres and, increasingly, fuel. It is the basic production facility in food production. Farms may be owned and operated by a single...
or ranch in the United States or Canada that has been officially recognized by a regional program documenting the farm has been continuously owned by a single family for 100 years or more. Some regions also have Sesquicentennial Farm (150 years) and Bicentennial Farm (200 years) programs.
In most states and provinces, the essential requirement for the award is that the property must have remained in the same family continuously for 100 years or more and currently be a working farm or ranch. Some states stipulate a minimum number of acres or annual agricultural sales.
Canada
In CanadaCanada
Canada is a North American country consisting of ten provinces and three territories. Located in the northern part of the continent, it extends from the Atlantic Ocean in the east to the Pacific Ocean in the west, and northward into the Arctic Ocean...
, Century Farm recognition in the province of Ontario
Ontario
Ontario is a province of Canada, located in east-central Canada. It is Canada's most populous province and second largest in total area. It is home to the nation's most populous city, Toronto, and the nation's capital, Ottawa....
was initiated as a Canadian Centennial project of the Junior Farmers' Association of Ontario (JFAO) in 1967.
United States
In the United StatesUnited States
The United States of America is a federal constitutional republic comprising fifty states and a federal district...
, one of the first organizations to begin officially recognizing the farms was the New York State Agricultural Society in 1937. Several states began their programs during the United States Bicentennial
United States Bicentennial
The United States Bicentennial was a series of celebrations and observances during the mid-1970s that paid tribute to the historical events leading up to the creation of the United States as an independent republic...
in 1976. Recognition from state to state varies. It is usually handled by the state's agriculture or natural resources department in conjunction with the American Farm Bureau Federation
American Farm Bureau Federation
The American Farm Bureau Federation , commonly referred to as the Farm Bureau, is a nonprofit organization and the largest general farm organization in the United States...
and the Cooperative extension service
Cooperative extension service
The Cooperative Extension Service, also known as the Extension Service of the USDA, is a non-formal educational program implemented in the United States designed to help people use research-based knowledge to improve their lives. The service is provided by the state's designated land-grant...
of the United States Department of Agriculture
United States Department of Agriculture
The United States Department of Agriculture is the United States federal executive department responsible for developing and executing U.S. federal government policy on farming, agriculture, and food...
, or the state's historical society. In other states, civic groups such as the Knights of Ak-Sar-Ben
Knights of Ak-Sar-Ben
The Knights of Ak-Sar-Ben Foundation, , is a 501 civic and philanthropic organization in Omaha, Nebraska.-History:The organization was formed in 1895 in an attempt to keep the Nebraska State Fair in Omaha after receiving an ultimatum to provide entertainment "other than saloons, gambling houses and...
perform the function. The awards are frequently done at the state fair
State fair
A state fair is a competitive and recreational gathering of a U.S. state's population. It is a larger version of a county fair, often including only exhibits or competitors that have won in their categories at the more-local county fairs....
.
The award typically defines a farm as 40 acres (16.2 ha) or more and consists of a plaque and a sign as well as formal listing.
In Oregon, in addition to century farms and ranches, the Department of Agriculture
Oregon Department of Agriculture
The Oregon Department of Agriculture is the agency of the government of the U.S. state of Oregon responsible for promoting and regulating food production and safety. It is headed by the Director of Agriculture, appointed by the Governor of Oregon subject to senate confirmation, advised by a board...
began to recognize sesquicentennial farms and ranches in 2008.
| State | Program | Founded | Min. acres | Oversight | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alabama | Century and Heritage Farm Program | 1976 | 40 acre (0.1618744 km²) and some current agricultural activity | Alabama Department of Agriculture and Industries Alabama Department of Agriculture and Industries The Alabama Department of Agriculture and Industries is an independent agency of the government of Alabama. The Department is responsible for serving farmers and consumers of agricultural products.... |
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| Colorado | Centennial Farms | 1993 | 160 acre (0.6474976 km²) or gross at least $1,000 in annual sales | Colorado Historical Society Office of Archaeology & Historic Preservation | |
| Delaware | Century Farm Program | ||||
| Florida | Century Pioneer Family Farm Program | Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services The Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services is an executive department of the government of Florida.The Commissioner of Agriculture is the head of the department... |
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| Georgia | Centennial Farms | 1993 | N/A | Historic Preservation Division, Georgia Department of Natural Resources Georgia Department of Natural Resources The Georgia Department of Natural Resources is an administrative agency of the U.S. state of Georgia. The agency has statewide responsibilities for managing and conserving Georgia’s natural, cultural, and historical resources, and is divided into six divisions:... , in cooperation with the Georgia Farm Bureau Federation Georgia Farm Bureau Federation The Georgia Farm Bureau Federation is Georgia's largest and strongest voluntary agricultural organization with nearly 400,000 member families. It is an independent, non-governmental, membership organization... ; the Georgia Department of Agriculture; the University of Georgia College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences University of Georgia College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences The College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences is a college within the University of Georgia in Athens, Georgia, United States.-History:... ; the Georgia Forestry Commission; and the Georgia National Fairgrounds and Agricenter Georgia National Fairgrounds and Agricenter The Georgia National Fairgrounds and Agricenter is a state-owned, multipurpose, 1,100+ acre rental complex which is open year-round. It is specially designed for meetings, conferences, livestock and horse shows, concerts, rodeos, RV rallies, trade shows, and sporting events. The fairgrounds opened... |
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| Idaho | Century Farm and Ranch Program | 1972 | 40 acres (161,874.4 m²) plus proof of $1000 agricultural related gross income for the 5 years prior to application | Idaho State Historical Society Idaho State Historical Society The Idaho State Historical Society is a historical society located in the U.S. state of Idaho that preserves and promotes Idaho’s cultural heritage. The society's vision is to inspire, enrich, and reach out to all Idahoans by providing leadership in the areas of preservation and dissemination of... |
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| Illinois | Centennial and Sesquicentennial Farms | 1972 | N/A | Illinois Department of Agriculture Illinois Department of Agriculture The Illinois Department of Agriculture is an executive agency of the U.S. state of Illinois. It supervises the Illinois State Fair, regulates various facets of the agriculture industries of Illinois, oversees Illinois soil and water conservation, and supervises the fair weighting and measuring of... |
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| Iowa | Century Farms | 1976 | 40 | Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship | |
| Kansas | Century Farms | 2000 | 80 | Kansas Farm Bureau | |
| Massachusetts | |||||
| Maryland | |||||
| Michigan | Centennial Farms | 1948 | 10 | Historical Society of Michigan | |
| Minnesota | Century and Sesquicentennial Farms | 1976 | 50 | Minnesota Farm Bureau | |
| Mississippi | Centennial Farm Program | Mississippi Department of Agriculture and Commerce Mississippi Department of Agriculture and Commerce The Mississippi Department of Agriculture and Commerce is a government department of Mississippi, headquartered in Jackson. MDAC regulates and promotes agricultural-related businesses within Mississippi. The Department of Agriculture and Commerce was created by the Mississippi Legislature in... |
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| Missouri | Century Farm Program | 1976 | 40 | University of Missouri University of Missouri The University of Missouri System is a state university system providing centralized administration for four universities, a health care system, an extension program, five research and technology parks, and a publishing press. More than 64,000 students are currently enrolled at its four campuses... Extension |
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| Montana | |||||
| Nebraska | Pioneer Farm Family Awards | 1961 (approx.) | N/A | Knights of Ak-Sar-Ben Foundation, Nebraska Farm Bureau | |
| Nevada | Centennial Ranch and Farm Awards Program | 2004 | Must currently be a working ranch or farm with a minimum of 160 acres, or if less than 160 acres, must have gross yearly sales of at least $1,000. | Agricultural Council of Nevada, Nevada Agricultural Foundation, Cattlemen's Association, Nevada Farm Bureau, Heritage Foundation, U.S. Department of Agriculture, USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service | |
| New York | Century Farm Award | 1937 | N/A | New York State Agricultural Society | Also has Bicentennial Farm program |
| North Carolina | Century Farm Family Program | 1970 | N/A | North Carolina Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services | |
| North Dakota | Centennial Farms | 1988 | N/A | Lewis and Clark Fort Mandan Foundation | |
| Ohio | Century Farms | 1993 | At least $1,000 in agricultural revenues each year | Ohio Department of Agriculture | Also has a Bicentennial Farm program |
| Oklahoma | Centennial Farm and Ranch Program | 1993 | 40 acres (161,874.4 m²) and gross at least $1,000 in annual sales, plus the property must be operated by or lived on by a family member, or be leased by a family member over age 65. Historic structures awards are given if four or more buildings or structures remain on the land that are at least 50 years old. | Oklahoma State Historic Preservation Office, Oklahoma Historical Society Oklahoma Historical Society The Oklahoma Historical Society is an agency of the government of Oklahoma dedicated to promotion and preservation of Oklahoma's history and its people by collecting, interpreting, and disseminating knowledge and artifacts of Oklahoma.... , Oklahoma Department of Agriculture |
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| Oregon | Century Farm and Ranch Program | 1958 | Gross income from farming or ranching activities of not less than $1,000 per year for three out of the five years immediately preceding the application | Oregon Agricultural Education Foundation, Oregon Farm Bureau, Oregon State Historic Preservation Office, Oregon Department of Agriculture Oregon Department of Agriculture The Oregon Department of Agriculture is the agency of the government of the U.S. state of Oregon responsible for promoting and regulating food production and safety. It is headed by the Director of Agriculture, appointed by the Governor of Oregon subject to senate confirmation, advised by a board... , Oregon Travel Information Council |
Also has a Sesquicentennial Farm program |
| Pennsylvania | Century and Bicentennial Farm Program | 1937 | 10 acres (40,468.6 m²) or gross at least $1,000 in annual sales | Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture is a cabinet-level agency in Pennsylvania. The Department is responsible for encouraging, protecting and promoting agriculture and related industries throughout the commonwealth while providing consumer protection through inspection services that impact the... |
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| South Carolina | |||||
| South Dakota | Century Farms | 2000 | 80 | South Dakota Department of Agriculture | Also has a Quasquicentennial (125 years) Farm program |
| Tennessee | Century Farms | 1975 | 10 acres and at least $1000 in farm income annually | Center for Historic Preservation at Middle Tennessee State University Middle Tennessee State University Middle Tennessee State University, commonly abbreviated as MTSU, is a public university located in Murfreesboro, Tennessee, United States.... , formerly Tennessee Department of Agriculture |
Also recognizes Pioneer Century Farms (established in or before 1796), and African American Century Farms (farms founded by emancipated slaves and their children) |
| Texas | Family Land Heritage Program | 1974 | 10 acres in continuous agricultural production with annual sales of $50 or more | Texas Department of Agriculture Texas Department of Agriculture The Texas Department of Agriculture is a state agency within the state of Texas, which is responsible for matters pertaining to agriculture, rural community affairs, and related matters.TDA was established by the 13th Texas Legislature in 1907... |
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| Utah | |||||
| Virginia | |||||
| Vermont | |||||
| Wisconsin | |||||
| Wyoming | Centennial Farm and Ranch program | 2006 (reestablished) | 160 acre (0.6474976 km²) or gross at least $1,000 in annual sales | Wyoming State Historic Preservation Office, Wyoming Department of Agriculture, Wyoming Stock Growers Association, Wyoming Wool Growers Association, Wyoming Rural Electric Association |