Area Century Farms Recognized

The Minnesota State Fair and the Minnesota Farm Bureau are recognizing 97 Minnesota farms as 2024 Century Farms. Qualifying farms have been in continuous family ownership for at least 100 years and are 50 acres or more. Several of them are in our immediate area.

Farms in Meeker County include the Mark and John Hulterstrum farm of Litchfield – established in 1923 and the John Dacy homestead of Darwin – dating back to 1871. In Kandiyohi County, the farms include the Heining Family Farm of Atwater – established in 1877 and the Fixsen Farms of Willmar – originated in 1908. Some of the other local farms include the Bridgeside farm of Kimball in Stearns County – dating back to 1924; the Schneider Farm of Renville in Renville County, established in 1903; the Zimmerman Farm of Brownton in McLeod County, originated in 1919; and the Melquist farm of Cokato in Wright County, dating back to 1882.
     
Century Farm families receive a commemorative sign, as well as a certificate signed by Minnesota State Fair and Minnesota Farm Bureau presidents and Governor Tim Walz. Since the program began in 1976, more than 11,000 Minnesota farms have been recognized as Century Farms. Information on all Century Farms is available at the Minnesota Farm Bureau exhibit during the 2024 Minnesota State Fair.