The Arkansas Century Farm Program, a state initiative dedicated to recognizing and honoring longstanding agricultural legacies, has inducted 36 farms from 25 counties. This prestigious acknowledgment was announced today in Little Rock, Arkansas, by Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders and Arkansas Secretary of Agriculture, Wes Ward.
Established in 2012 by the Arkansas Department of Agriculture, the Century Farm Program is a testament to the enduring contributions of family-owned farms to both the state’s agriculture sector and the broader economy. To qualify, a farm must be owned by the same family for at least 100 years and encompass a minimum of 10 acres. Participation in the program is voluntary and free for families.
Agriculture holds a position of critical importance in Arkansas. It’s not only the state’s largest industry but also a significant economic driver, contributing over $20.9 billion annually. Of the 41,900 farms in Arkansas, a staggering 96 percent are family-owned, underscoring the deeply rooted tradition of family farming in the state.
Governor Sanders emphasized the crucial role of agriculture in national sustainability and independence. “A country that can’t feed itself, fuel itself, and clothe itself can’t survive. That’s why it’s so important to thank and support our farmers,” she remarked during the induction ceremony. She expressed her honor in welcoming the new inductees, who have maintained their farming heritage for over a century.
The program now boasts 604 farms recognized as Arkansas Century Farms across the state. The 36 newly added farms are distributed across various counties, including Arkansas, Carroll, Cleburne, Conway, Craighead, Dallas, Faulkner, Fulton, Greene, Hempstead, Howard, Izard, Jackson, Jefferson, Lee, Little River, Logan, Lonoke, Mississippi, Monroe, Nevada, Ouachita, Perry, Randolph, and Van Buren.
Details about the inductees, along with photographs from the induction ceremony, are accessible online. Further information on the Arkansas Century Farm Program, including past inductees, is available at the Arkansas Department of Agriculture’s website. Inquiries can be directed to Beth Moore at the provided contact details.
This program not only honors the rich agricultural history of Arkansas but also highlights the significance of family-owned farms in sustaining and enriching the cultural and economic fabric of the state. The ongoing commitment of these families to agriculture symbolizes resilience, dedication, and a deep connection to the land, values that are central to the identity of Arkansas and its people.
