If your farm has been in your family since Dec. 31, 1914, 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.
The program is sponsored by the University of Missouri College of Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources, MU Extension and Missouri Farm Bureau.
Applicants certified as owners of a 2014 Missouri Century Farm will be recognized by the MU Extension Center in the county where the farm is located.
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, 2014, to be considered.
For application forms and information, call MU Extension Publications at 800-292-0969, contact your local MU Extension center or visit the program website at extension.missouri.edu/centuryfarm.