Minnesota Farm Bureau’s Sesquicentennial Farm program will honor Minnesota families who have owned their farms for at least 150 years. Since the Sesquicentennial Farm program began in 2008, over 200 farms have been recognized. The Sesquicentennial Farm program recognizes family farms according to the following qualifications:
1) The farm must be at least 150 years old this year (2015) according to the abstract of title, land patent, original deed, county land records, court file in registration proceedings or other authentic land records. Please do not send originals or copies of records.
2) Your family must have owned the farm for 150 years or more. “Family” is defined as parents, grandparents, aunts, uncles, brothers, sisters, sons, daughters, first cousins and direct in-laws (father, mother, brother, sister, daughter, son-in-law).
3) Continuous residence on farm is not required, but ownership must be continuous.
4) The farm should consist of 50 or more acres and currently be involved in agricultural production.
A commemorative certificate signed by Minnesota Farm Bureau Federation President Kevin Paap, Minnesota Department of Agriculture Commissioner Dave Frederickson and Governor Mark Dayton will be awarded to qualifying families, along with an outdoor sign signifying Sesquicentennial Farm recognition.
Applications are available by writing Sesquicentennial Farms, Minnesota Farm Bureau Federation, P.O. Box 64370, St. Paul, MN 55164; emailing info@fbmn.org; or calling 651-768-2100. Applications are also available on our website, www.fbmn.org. Deadline for application is April 1. Previously recognized families should not reapply.
Century Farms are not automatically recognized as Sesquicentennial Farms. Families must apply to receive Sesquicentennial Farm recognition. County Farm Bureaus are encouraged to work with county agriculture societies and county fair boards on local recognition of recipients. Recipients will be announced at the beginning of June.
To see a list of previously recognized Sesquicentennial Farms in Minnesota, visit fbmn.org/pages/century-and-sesquicentennial-farm.
Minnesota Farm Bureau – Farmers ● Families ● Food 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. Join Farm Bureau today and support efforts to serve as an advocate for rural Minnesota, www.fbmn.org.
— Minnesota Farm Bureau
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