SOUTH DAKOTA DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE
NEWS RELEASE

For Immediate Release: March 2, 2015

Media Contact: Jamie Crew, 605-773-4073

Deadline for South Dakota 100 and 125 Year Farm & Ranch Recognition is Aug. 13

HURON, S.D. – Farm and ranch families who have enjoyed ownership of their South Dakota farm or ranch for 100 or 125 years have the opportunity to be honored on Thursday, Sept. 3, during the South Dakota State Fair in Huron.

Agriculture has long been the foundation of South Dakota history. The South Dakota Farm Bureau (SDFB) and the South Dakota Department of Agriculture (SDDA) would like to recognize and honor these longstanding South Dakota families.

To qualify as a South Dakota Century Farm or Ranch, a family must have retained continuous ownership of at least 80 acres of original farmland for 100 years or more. If the family ownership of land has reached 125 years, they may apply to be recognized as a Quasquicentennial Farm or Ranch.

Documentation of the original date of purchase must be included with the application. Application forms are available online at www.sdfbf.org by clicking “All About Ag” and then “Century-Quasquicentennial Farm & Ranch Program” or call the SDFB at (605) 353-8052. The deadline to apply is Thursday, Aug. 13, 2015.

The South Dakota Farm & Ranch Recognition program was initiated in 1984 by the SDFB. Since then, the SDDA has joined the program. There have been 2,770 century farms and ranches and 250 quasquicentennial farms and ranches recognized thus far.

Agriculture is South Dakota's No. 1 industry, generating over $25.6 billion in annual economic activity and employing more than 115,000 South Dakotans. The South Dakota Department of Agriculture's mission is to promote, protect, preserve and improve this industry for today and tomorrow. Visit us online at http://sdda.sd.gov or find us on Facebook and Twitter.

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SD Farm and Ranch Recognition Program logo attached.