Celebrating our ‘Century Farms’

Celebrating our ‘Century Farms’

Agriculture is at the forefront of our state’s economy. No industry has had more impact on our day to day lives for the last century than farming. That’s why it is important to recognize the families who have maintained and operated a family farm for over 100 years.

In 2012, the Arkansas Agriculture Department began the Arkansas Century Farm program to honor farm families who have owned and farmed the same land for at least 100 years.

So far 297 farms have been recognized. Fifty-eight of those were given the title of Century Farm just last year.

The next deadline to apply is May 31, 2016.

Only the legal owners of the property may apply.

The land must be 10 acres or more of the original farm and make a financial contribution to the overall farm income. The farm must have been owned by the same family for 100 years or more by the end of the calendar year.

The Arkansas Century Farm Program is a voluntary program as each family chooses whether to submit an application and participate in the program. The program places no restrictions on the farm and offers no legal protection. There is no cost to the family. Successful applicants receive a special certificate and a metal sign identifying their historical farm. Applications must be signed and certified by a Notary Public.

Farms in every corner of the state have been recognized. The oldest farm recognized by the program was owned by the same Washington County family since 1837.

The families who are inducted into the Century Farms Program represent the relevance and tradition of agriculture in Arkansas and the deep family history behind agriculture in the state. The farms shows the great care they have taken of their land and the pride that comes with it.

If you have a farm that qualifies visit www.aad.arkansas.gov.

From State Representative Milton Nicks