|
Two Christian County Farm Families Honored For Century Farm Status
OZARK, MO.
Agriculture in Christian County is a $25 million business. Farms of all sizes support our local economy, although 90 percent of farms in the county are small, with a gross cash farm income of $250,000 or less, similar to the national average.
Most of these farms are family-owned and operated, and have confronted considerable challenges to keep their family farms operational. The University of Missouri Extension's Century Farm program seeks to discover these stories and share the contribution farmers and ranchers have made to our Missouri heritage.
To recognize successful farm families in the county, the Christian County MU Extension Council recently honored two farm families earning the distinction as a Missouri Century Farm.
Allen and Debbie King. Their farm consists of 40 acres in the Bruner area since 1898. Their great, great, great grandparents were George and Delilah McHaffie.
Jack & Renee Rice. Their farm consists of 71 acres in Nixa since 1915. Their great uncle & aunt were Joe & Nan Goddard.
At a special dinner recognition event, each family was presented a certificate and a Century Farm sign for the families to proudly display on their farm.
To qualify, 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.
Since Missouri began the program in 1976, more than 8,000 century farms have been recognized. In 2008, the Missouri Farm Bureau joined MU Extension and the MU College of Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources as a program sponsor.
University of Missouri Vice Chancellor for Extension and Engagement Marshall Stewart said, “Family farms have been among our most vital partners since the founding of extension more than 100 years ago. The century farm program is one way we express our gratitude to those who have contributed so much to Missouri agriculture.”
“Missouri Farm Bureau is a proud partner in recognition of century farms,” said Blake Hurst, president. “We applaud the hard-working farm families that have kept us fed and clothed for generations. They represent an important part of our heritage and laid a foundation for the bounty Americans enjoy every day.”
“We are thankful for the families who have sustained their family and small farms. Their farms help support and sustain our rural and farm economies, and serve to protect and enhance our natural resources and the environment,” said Dr. Pam Duitsman, county engagement specialist in community economic development with University of Missouri Extension. ∆
|
|