Minnesota families who have owned their farms for 100 years or more may apply for the 2017 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.

According to a press release, family farms are recognized as Century Farms when three requirements are met. The farm must be at least 100 years old according to authentic land records; in continuous family ownership for at least 100 years; and at least 50 acres.

A commemorative certificate signed by State Fair Board of Managers President Sharon Wessel, 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, at fbmn.org; by calling the State Fair at (651) 288-4400; at statewide county extension or county Farm Bureau offices. The submission deadline is April 3. Recipients will be announced in May. Previously recognized families should not reapply.

Information on Century Farms will be available at the Minnesota Farm Bureau exhibit during the 2017 Minnesota State Fair. 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 more than 1.9 million visitors annually. Showcasing Minnesota’s finest agriculture, art and industry, the Great Minnesota Get-Together is always 12 days of fun ending Labor Day. Visit mnstatefair.org for more information. The 2017 Minnesota State Fair runs Aug. 24 through Sept. 4.

Minnesota Farm Bureau 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.