By Scout Nelson
Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders and Arkansas Secretary of Agriculture Wes Ward recently celebrated the induction of 41 farms into the Arkansas Century Farm Program. This program, initiated by the Arkansas Department of Agriculture in 2012, acknowledges farms that have remained in the same family for at least 100 years and encompass 10 acres or more.
Agriculture, as Arkansas' largest industry, significantly impacts the state’s economy with an annual contribution of over $24.3 billion. Of the 38,000 farms in Arkansas, 95 percent are family-owned, underscoring the critical role these farms play not only economically but also in preserving the agricultural heritage of the region.
During the induction ceremony, Governor Sanders emphasized the deep-rooted significance of farming in Arkansas, not just as an economic activity but as a fundamental part of the state's history and survival. She expressed gratitude to the families for their dedication to agriculture and their pivotal role in sustaining the community.
Secretary Ward highlighted the purpose of the Century Farm Program, which is to honor those families who have devoted generations to agriculture, providing essential resources such as food, fiber, fuel, and shelter.
With the new inductees, the total number of Century Farms in Arkansas has reached 645. These farms are distributed across various counties including Benton, Boone, Pulaski, and many others, reflecting the widespread nature of this agricultural legacy.
The event also served as a reminder that applications for the 2025 class of the Century Farm Program will open in February 2025. This offers other qualifying farms an opportunity to join the ranks of those celebrated for their longstanding commitment to agriculture.
For families interested in applying or learning more about the program and its past inductees, the Arkansas Department of Agriculture’s website provides comprehensive details and application guidelines. This ongoing recognition of family farms reinforces the importance of agriculture in Arkansas, celebrating the enduring legacy of farming families throughout the state.
Photo Credit:gettyimages-zoran-zeremski
Categories: Kansas, General