COLUMBIA, Mo. If your farm has been in your family since Dec. 31, 1909, you can apply to have it recognized as a Missouri Century Farm, according to an announcement by Andy Emerson, Missouri Century Farms coordinator.

To qualify, farms must meet the following guidelines. The same family must have owned the farm for 100 consecutive years. The line of ownership from the original settler or buyer may be through children, grandchildren, siblings, and nephews or nieces, including through marriage or adoption. The farm must be at least 40 acres of the original land acquisition and make a financial contribution to the overall farm income.

Applicants certified as owners of a 2009 Missouri Century Farm will be recognized by their local MU Extension office in the county where the farm is located. They are presented with a sign and a certificate.

Since Missouri began the program in 1976, more than 7,000 century farms have been recognized.

For applications received by May 1, a $40 fee covers the cost of certificates, farm signs and booklets for approved applicants. If the application is received between May 1 and May 15, the cost becomes $50. Applications must be postmarked by May 15, 2009, to be considered.

For application forms and information, call Extension Publications toll-free at 1-800-292-0969, contact your local extension office, or visit the program Web site here.

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