New Century Farm Nominations Being Sought

In 1976, Missouri’s Centennial Farm project awarded certificates to persons owning farms that had been in the same family for 100 years or more. The MU College of Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources and MU Extension planned a 10-year update in 1986 called the Century Farm program. Since then, the program has been an annual event, recognizing more than 100 farms each year. In 2008, the Missouri Farm Bureau became a program co-sponsor. More than 8,000 Missouri Century Farms have been recognized.

“Missouri Farm Bureau is a proud partner in the recognition of century farms,” said Garrett Hawkins, president of Missouri Farm Bureau. “We applaud the hard-working farm families that have kept us fed and clothed for generations. They represent an important part of our heritage and laid a foundation for the bounty Americans enjoy every day.”

To qualify, farms must meet the following criteria: 

–The same family must have owned the farm for 100 consecutive years. 

–The line of ownership from the original settler or buyer may be through children, grandchildren, siblings, and nephews or nieces, including through marriage or adoption. 

–The farm must be at least 40 acres of the original land acquisition and make a financial contribution to the overall farm income. 

For more information, visit the program’s webpage at https://extension.missouri.edu/programs/century-farms. 

Robert Hunt Farm Designated as Century Farm

Robert and Judy Hunt, along with daughters Holly and Jordan, were presented with Century Farm designation on Thursday, October 8, 2020, by the Worth County Extension Council.  The family owns 204 qualifying acres which were acquired in 1914 by Robert’s great-grandfather, Alson A. Hunt.  Although the family, including Robert’s father George Hunt, at times used the land to raise corn and soybeans, they have predominately used the land to run cattle.   

The Missouri Century Farm program's history dates back to 1976 as a result of the Missouri Committee for Agriculture that was co-chaired by James B. Boillot, Director, Missouri Department of Agriculture, and Elmer R. Kiehl, Dean of the College of Agriculture, University of Missouri. The committee's purpose was to organize the American Revolution Bicentennial celebration in Missouri. One activity that was initiated by the committee was the "Centennial Farm" project, which awarded certificates to persons owning farms that had been in the same family for 100 years or more. Interest in the program continued after 1976. The College of Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources and University of Missouri Extension planned a 10-year update in 1986 called the "Century Farm" program. This program has been sustained as a yearly event with over 100 farms recognized each year. In 2008, the Missouri Farm Bureau became a program co-sponsor. Missouri Century Farms can be found at http://extension.missouri.edu/centuryfarm/

Search for Missouri Century Farms continues

If your farm has been in your family since Dec. 31, 1913, you can apply to have it recognized as a Missouri Century Farm.

 

To qualify, farms must meet the following guidelines. The same family must have owned the farm for 100 consecutive years. The line of ownership from the original settler or buyer may be through children, grandchildren, siblings, and nephews or nieces, including through marriage or adoption. The farm must be at least 40 acres of the original land acquisition and make a financial contribution to the overall farm income.

 

“It is important to honor and respect our history,” said Michael Ouart, vice provost for University of Missouri Extension. “These farms represent both Missouri’s cultural heritage and the good stewardship that our farmers strive for.”

 

In 2008, the Missouri Farm Bureau joined MU Extension and the MU College of Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources as a program sponsor.

 

“Missouri Farm Bureau is a proud partner in the recognition of century farms,” said Blake Hurst, president. “We applaud the hardworking farm families that have kept us fed and clothed for generations. They represent an important part of our heritage and laid a foundation for the bounty Americans enjoy every day.”

 

Applicants certified as owners of a 2013 Missouri Century Farm will be recognized by the MU Extension office in the county where the farm is located. Applicants are presented with a sign and a certificate.

 

Since Missouri began the program in 1976, more than 8,000 century farms have been recognized.

 

For applications received by May 1, a $65 fee covers the cost of a certificate, farm sign and booklet for approved applicants. If the application is received between May 1 and May 15, the cost is $75. Applications must be postmarked by May 15, 2013, to be considered.

 

For application forms and information, call Extension Publications toll-free at 1-800-292-0969, contact your local MU Extension office, or visit the program website at extension.missouri.edu/centuryfarm.