Applications now being accepted for the SD Farm and Ranch Recognition Program

HURON – Applications are currently being accepted for the South Dakota Farm & Ranch Recognition program. Farm and ranch families who have enjoyed ownership of their South Dakota farm or ranch for 100 or 125 years have the opportunity to apply and be honored on Thursday, Sept. 3, during the South Dakota State Fair in Huron.

Agriculture has long been the foundation of South Dakota history. The South Dakota Farm Bureau (SDFB) and the South Dakota Department of Agriculture (SDDA) would like to recognize and honor these South Dakota families.

To qualify as a South Dakota Century Farm or Ranch, a family must have retained continuous ownership of at least 80 acres of original farmland for 100 years or more. Quasquicentennial Farms and Ranches, those that have been continually owned for 125 years or more, will also be recognized.

Application forms are available online at www.sdfbf.org by clicking “All About Ag” and then “Century-Quasquicentennial Farm & Ranch Program” or call the SDFB at (605) 353-8052. The deadline to apply is Thursday, Aug. 13, 2015. Documentation of the original date of purchase must be included with the application.

The South Dakota Farm & Ranch Recognition program was initiated in 1984 by the SDFB. Since then, the SDDA has joined in recognizing these South Dakota families. The program has recognized 2,770 century farms and ranches and 250 quasquicentennial farms and ranches thus far.