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Senator Gary Dahms of Redwood Falls on Thursday congratulated Minnesota family farms,  including the 10 Century Farms in Senate District 15, that have been recognized as Century Farms and Sesquicentennial Farms by the Minnesota State Fair and the Minnesota Farm Bureau. This  program recognizes farms that have been in continuous ownership by a family for at least 100 years  (Century Farm) or at least 150 years (Sesquicentennial Farm). 

“Family-owned farms are the heart of Minnesota’s rich agricultural heritage,” Senator Dahms said.  “Congratulations to the local families for the remarkable achievement of operating a farm for more than  a century! Our community and state are so appreciative of your hard work, dedication, and  perseverance.” 

Century farms have been in continuous family ownership for at least 100 years and encompass 50 acres  or more. Receiving the Century Farm honor is a momentous achievement, signifying a family’s  commitment to preserving their land and way of life across multiple generations. Since the program  began back in 1976, over 11,000 Minnesota farms have earned this distinguished recognition. 

The Sesquicentennial Farm designation is reserved for a rare and special group of farms that have  remained in the same family for 150 years or more. To qualify, the farm must be at least 50 acres in size  and actively involved in agricultural production. 

In Senate District 15, the following farms have been recognized this year: 

CENTURY FARMS 

Brown County 

  • Sleepy Eye – Schroepfer, 1884 

Lac Qui Parle County 

  • Canby (Providence Township) – Buer Farms, 1924  
  • Dawson – Boraas Farms, 1881 

Lyon County 

  • Marshall – DeVos Family Farm, 1924  
  • Russell – Dahlneelman Farm, 1901

Redwood County 

  • Lamberton – The Turbes Family Farm, 1924 
  • Walnut Grove – Swoffer Family Farm, 1887 

Yellow Medicine County 

  • Hazel Run – Norgaard Farms, 1919 
  • Hazel Run – Norgaard/Thompson, 1917 
  • Wood Lake – William Timm Sr. Farm, 1890 

Recipients receive an outdoor sign designating the farm as a “Century Farm” or “Sesquicentennial Farm”  and a certificate signed by the governor of Minnesota and presidents of the Minnesota Farm Bureau and  the Minnesota State Fair. Information on the farm recipients will be available at the Minnesota Farm  Bureau exhibit during the State Fair.