Arkansas Century Farm Program Seeks Applicants

The Arkansas Department of Agriculture is accepting applications for the 2020 Arkansas Century Farm program.

This program recognizes Arkansas families who have owned and farmed the same land for at least 100 years. There is no cost to apply.

To qualify, Arkansas farms must meet the certain criteria. The same family must have owned the farm for 100 years by December 31, 2020. The line of ownership from the original settler or buyer may be through children, grandchildren, siblings, and nephews or nieces, including through marriage and adoption. The farm must be at least ten acres of the original land acquisition and make a financial contribution to the overall farm income.

Three family farms in Polk County have previously been named Arkansas Century Farms. They include: The Wiles Family Farm, established in 1889; the Fred Alston Farm, established in 1897; and the Ronald Alston Farm, also established in 1897.

Applications must be postmarked by May 31st. Applications are available at the Arkansas Department of Agriculture website at: www.aad.arkansas.gov . For more information about the Arkansas Century Farm program, call 501-225-1598.

Arkansas has more than 42,500 farms, of which 97% are family-owned and operated. Since the Arkansas Century Farm program began in 2012, 464 farms have been certified.

About Author

Jeri Pearson

Jeri is the News Director for Pulse Multi-Media and Editor of The Polk County Pulse. She has 10 years of experience in community focused journalism and has won multiple press association awards.

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