Fair seeks ëcentury farmsí
Posted 2/19/03

MINNESOTA STATE FAIRGROUNDSóThe Minnesota State Fair's Century Farm program will once again honor Minnesota families who have owned their farms for at least 100 years.

The Century Farm program recognizes family farms according to the following qualifications: 1) the farm must be at least 100 years old according to authentic land records; 2) the farm must have been in continuous family ownership for at least 100 years (continuous residence on the farm is not required) and 3) the farm must be at least 50 acres.

Since its inception in 1976, a total of 7,709 farms have been designated Century Farms. A commemorative certificate signed by the president of the State Fair and Governor Tim Pawlenty will be awarded to qualifying families, along with an outdoor sign signifying Century Farm recognition.

Information on all Century Farm families will be available at the Minnesota Farm Bureau exhibit during the 2003 State Fair, Aug. 21 through Labor Day, Sept. 1.

Applications are available by writing Century Farms, Minnesota State Fair, 1265 Snelling Avenue North, St. Paul, MN 55108; e-mailing fairinfo@mnstatefair.org; or calling (651) 642-2446. Applications are also available at statewide county extension offices and Minnesota Farm Bureau offices. Deadline for application is June 1. Previously recognized families should not reapply.