Local Family Farms Recognized for 100 years

On Monday evening, the Monroe County Extension presented three families with a sign and certificate, designating them as Century Farms. This program began in 1976 with the Extension. There are approximately 10,500 farms in Missouri with this designation, over 100 in Monroe County. To receive Century Farm status, the same family must have owned a farm at least 40 acres in size for 100 consecutive years. The applying family must show proof of original and current ownership, and it must contribute to the family income. 
This year, we had three families apply for the Century Farm status. The first family is the Amos Miller family. Today, the farm is owned by the Huffmans, who are the seventh generation to do so. This farm is located southeast of Paris. Steve and Jolynn Yates were the following recipients. Steve represents the sixth generation to own their farm west of Monroe City. The James Farm, north of Paris, was the third recipient. Larry James reported that his father purchased the original 40 acres. His family, represented through the fifth generation, joined us. 
Century Farms can be applied for through the Mizzou Extension website. Applications open in February and close in May. 
If any help is needed, please contact the Extension office at 888-577-4158 or stop by at 229 N. Washington.