Missouri Century Farm Deadline Extended

By Blake Jackson

Missouri farm families now have more time to apply for special recognition through the Missouri Century Farm program. The application deadline has been extended to May 15 after technical problems prevented some people from completing submissions on time.

The program honors farms that have remained in the same family for at least 100 consecutive years. Families whose farms have been owned since Dec. 31, 1926, may still qualify for the 2026 recognition period. This honor celebrates long family traditions, dedication to agriculture, and the lasting importance of farming in Missouri.

The Missouri Century Farm program is sponsored by the University of Missouri Extension, the MU College of Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources, and the Missouri Farm Bureau. These organizations work together to recognize families who have helped support the state’s agricultural industry across generations.

To qualify, the same family must have owned the farm continuously for one hundred years. Ownership may pass from the original buyer or settler through children, grandchildren, siblings, nieces, or nephews. Transfers through marriage or adoption are also accepted under program rules.

The farm must include at least 40 acres of the original land purchase. It must also make a financial contribution to the total farm income. These requirements help ensure that recognized farms remain active in parts of Missouri agriculture.

Since the program began in 1976, more than 10,000 farms have earned the Century Farm designation. This shows the strong history of family farming in Missouri and the continued role of agriculture in local communities and the state economy.

Approved applicants will pay a $140 fee. This will cover the cost of an official certificate, a metal farm sign, and a booklet that recognizes the farm’s history. County MU Extension Centers present these items to selected applicants.

Families interested in applying can review program details and complete the online application through the University of Missouri Extension website. Local MU Extension centers are also available to answer questions and provide guidance during the application process.

The Missouri Century Farm program gives farm families a chance to celebrate generations of hard work, preserve their family legacy, and receive statewide recognition for their contribution to agriculture. With the deadline now extended, more eligible families have an opportunity to apply.

Photo Credit: university-of-missouri