Families that own “Century Farms” were recently recognized at the University of Missouri Texas County Extension’s annual banquet.
Owners of farms that have been in the family since Dec. 31, 1915, can apply to have it recognized as a “Missouri Century Farm,” according to the program’s officials.
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.
“These farms represent hard work, dedication and the good stewardship that our farmers strive for,” said Sarah Kenyon, regional agronomy specialist for University of Missouri Extension, Texas County.
In 2008, Missouri Farm Bureau joined MU Extension and the MU College of Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources as a program sponsor.
“We applaud the hard-working farm families that have kept us fed and clothed for generations,” said Missouri Farm Bureau president Blake Hurst. “They represent an important part of our heritage and laid a foundation for the bounty Americans enjoy every day.”
Since Missouri began the program in 1976, more than 8,000 century farms have been recognized. Receiving Century Farm Awards this year were Ronald and Barbara McCall of Mountain Grove (whose farm was originally purchased Feb. 11, 1915), Steve and Roberta Lybyer of the Lybyer Family Farm in Cabool (purchased March 7, 1892) and Clifford and Erma Campbell of Bucyrus (purchased in 1910 – no date available).
To receive recognition, submit an application 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, 2016, to be considered.
For application forms and information, call MU Extension Publications toll-free at 800-292-0969, call the Extension office in Houston at 417-967-4545, or log onto the program’s website at http://extension.missouri.edu/centuryfarm.