State now taking applications for Century Farm inductions

The Arkansas Agriculture Department is accepting applications for 2017 Arkansas Century Farm inductees.

Century Farm families have owned and farmed the same land for at least 100 years. This program honors Arkansas agricultural heritage and since the beginning in 2012 has certified 341 farms and families.

Applications are available at aad.arkansas.gov.

To qualify, farms must meet the following criteria:

The same family must have owned the farm for 100 years by Dec. 31, 2017. The line of ownership from the original settler or buyer may be through children, grandchildren, siblings, and nephews or nieces, including through marriage and adoption.

The farm must be at least 10 acres of the original land acquisition and make a financial contribution to the overall farm income.

“Agriculture is part of the fabric, fiber and culture of Arkansas,” Arkansas Gov. Asa Hutchinson said at the 2016 Arkansas Century Farm inductee ceremony. “These families represent a commitment to agriculture and a commitment to family values,” he said.

The U.S. has more than 2 million farms, across 915 million acres with 97 percent of those farming operations are family owned. Arkansas has more than 43,000 farms, across 13 million acres. (data provided by the USDA Census of Agriculture).

“There is no cost to apply for the Century Farm program, and any farm landowners may apply,” said AAD spokeswoman Mary Elizabeth Lea.

Applications may be obtained from the AAD by calling Lea at 501-683-4851, emailing her at Maryelizabeth.Lea@aad.ar.gov, or visiting aad.arkansas.gov for an online form.

Applications must be postmarked May 31 to be eligible for designation as an inductee farm this year.