By Scout Nelson
The Minnesota Farm Bureau Federation (MFBF) takes immense pride in announcing the 2024 recipients of the esteemed Sesquicentennial Farm award. This year, 44 family farms have been distinguished for their commitment to agriculture, having maintained continuous family ownership for at least 150 years.
This accomplishment not only marks a significant milestone in Minnesota's agricultural history but also highlights the dedication of these families to farming and rural life.
Since the Sesquicentennial Farm program's inception in 2008, 559 Minnesota families have been honored, showing the rich and enduring heritage of farming within the state.
To be eligible for this prestigious award, a farm must have been in family ownership for 150 years or more, span at least 50 acres, and currently engage in agricultural production.
The honorees will receive a commemorative certificate, jointly signed by Governor Tim Walz, Minnesota Department of Agriculture Commissioner Thom Petersen, and MFBF President Dan Glessing.
An outdoor sign will be provided to each awarded farm, serving as a symbol of their Sesquicentennial Farm status and their significant contribution to the state's agricultural legacy.
Among the honored farms, the stories of resilience, innovation, and community are as varied as they are inspiring. From the Sharp Anderson farm in Becker County, dating back to 1871, to the historic Wagner Farm in Stevens County from 1874, each farm has its unique narrative woven into the fabric of Minnesota's agricultural tapestry.
These farms span a diverse array of counties, from the grain fields of Chippewa to the dairy lands of Wright, each playing a crucial role in the state's economy and cultural heritage.
The Sesquicentennial Farm award not only commemorates the past 150 years of agricultural excellence but also looks forward to a future where these farms continue to thrive, innovate, and lead in sustainable farming practices.
As these families look back on generations of hard work and forward to new challenges and opportunities, they stand as pillars of their communities and stewards of the land that has sustained them.
The Minnesota Farm Bureau Federation extends its heartfelt congratulations to the 2024 Sesquicentennial Farm awardees, thanking them for their significant contributions to Minnesota agriculture and their local communities.
Photo Credit -minnesota-farm-bureau
Categories: Minnesota, General