Minnesota families who have owned their farms for 100 years or more are encouraged to apply for the 2009 Century Farm Program.

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

Since its inception in 1976, more than 8,700 Minnesota farms have been designated Century Farms. A Century Farm database is available at www.fbmn.org.

A commemorative certificate signed by State Fair President Bob Lake, Minnesota Farm Bureau Federation President Kevin Paap and Gov. 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 2009 Minnesota State Fair, which runs Aug. 27 through Labor Day, Sept. 7.

Applications are available online at www.mnstatefair.org (click the “Recognition Programs” link at the bottom of the home page); at www.fbmn.org; by calling the State Fair at (651) 288-4481; or at statewide county extension and county Farm Bureau offices. The application deadline is April 1. Applications should be sent to the Minnesota State Fair, attn: Century Farms. Recipients will be announced at the beginning of June. Previously recognized families should not reapply.

The Minnesota State Fair is one of the largest and best-attended expositions in the world, attracting more than 1.6 million visitors annually. Showcasing Minnesota’s finest agriculture, art and industry, the Great Minnesota Get-Together is always 12 days of fun ending Labor Day. Visit www.mnstatefair.org for more information.

Minnesota Farm Bureau is the state’s largest general farm organization. Members determine policy through a formal, democratic process and make their views heard to political leaders, state government officials, special interest groups and the general public. Programs for young farmers and ranchers help 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.