Century Farms

In 1976, when the nation was celebrating its bicentennial, several Missouri agencies -- Missouri Department of Agriculture, University of Missouri Extension Services and the Missouri Committee for Agriculture -- began designating farms that had been in the same family for at least 100 years as Centennial Farms. In 1986, the program was extended, and eligible farms have been designated as Century Farms since then. In all, some 4,000 farms across the state, including 85 in Cape Girardeau County, have been honored.

To qualify, farms must have at least 40 acres of original land that is making a financial contribution to farm income. Farms continue to be added to the list. More information about the program is available online:

extension.missouri.edu/centuryfarm/.

Today's U.S. farms are the reason America is a well-fed nation, and the farmers who toil day in and day out to raise crops and produce livestock are to be commended for their importance to society.