ST. PAUL - Minnesota families who have owned their farms for 100 years or more may apply for the 2015 Century Farms Program.
Produced by the Minnesota State Fair in conjunction with the Minnesota Farm Bureau Federation, the Century Farms Program was created to promote agriculture and honor historic family farms in the state. More than 10,000 Minnesota farms have been honored since the program began in 1976.
Family farms are recognized as Century Farms when they meet three requirements. The farm must be at least 100 years old according to authentic land records, in continuous family ownership for at least 100 years (continuous residence on the farm is not required) and at least 50 acres.
A commemorative certificate signed by State Fair Board of Managers President Al Paulson, Minnesota Farm Bureau Federation President Kevin Paap and Gov. Mark Dayton will be awarded to qualifying families, along with an outdoor sign signifying Century Farm status.
Applications are available online at mnstatefair.org (click the "Recognition Programs" link at the bottom of the home page); at fbmn.org; by calling the State Fair at 651-288-4400; or at statewide county extension and county Farm Bureau offices. The submission deadline is April 3. Recipients will be announced in May. Previously recognized families should not re-apply.
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Information on all Century Farms will be available at the Minnesota Farm Bureau exhibit during the 2015 Minnesota State Fair, which runs Aug. 27 - Labor Day, Sept. 7. A Century Farm database is also available at fbmn.org.
The Minnesota State Fair is one of the largest and best-attended expositions in the world, attracting 1.8 million visitors annually. The 12-day event showcases Minnesota's finest agriculture, art and industry. Visit mnstatefair.org for more information.
Minnesota Farm Bureau - farmers, families, food, is comprised of 78 local Farm Bureau associations across Minnesota. Members make their views known to political leaders, state government officials, special interest groups and the general public. Programs for young farmers and ranchers develop leadership skills and improve farm management. Promotion and Education Committee members work with programs such as Ag in the Classroom and safety education for children.
