State Fair and Farm Bureau Federation Accepting Century Farm Applications

SAINT PAUL, MINN. (02/10/2010)(readMedia)-- Minnesota families who have owned their farms for 100 years or more are encouraged to apply for the 2010 Century Farm Program. More than 8,800 Minnesota farms have been honored since the program's inception in 1976.

Family farms are recognized as Century Farms when they meet three qualifications. The farm must be: 1) at least 100 years old according to authentic land records; 2) in continuous family ownership for at least 100 years (continuous residence on the farm is not required); and 3) at least 50 acres.

A commemorative certificate signed by State Fair President Dennis Baker, Minnesota Farm Bureau Federation President Kevin Paap and Governor Tim Pawlenty will be awarded to qualifying families, along with an outdoor sign signifying Century Farm recognition.

Applications are available online at www.mnstatefair.org (click the "Recognition Programs" link at the bottom of the home page); at www.fbmn.org; by calling the State Fair at (651) 288-4481; or at statewide county extension and county Farm Bureau offices. The submission deadline is April 1. Recipients will be announced at the beginning of June. Previously recognized families should not reapply.

Information on all Century Farm families will be available at the Minnesota Farm Bureau exhibit during the 2010 Minnesota State Fair, which runs Aug. 26 - Labor Day, Sept. 6. A Century Farm database is available at www.fbmn.org.

The Minnesota State Fair is one of the largest and best-attended expositions in the world, attracting nearly 1.8 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 www.mnstatefair.org for more information.

Minnesota Farm Bureau is the state's largest general farm organization. Members determine policy through a formal, democratic process and communicate their views to political leaders, state government officials, special interest groups and the general public. Programs for young farmers and ranchers help 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.