Arizona Farm Bureau celebrated seven families during its Annual Meeting in November that earned Century Farm and Ranch recognition, a new program the organization will celebrate each year. Themed ‘100 Years and Growing,’ the Annual Meeting theme aptly described the work that Arizona Farm Bureau (AZFB) has done and continues to do, alongside Arizona's farmers and ranchers. This theme also represents the legacy of individual farm and ranch families in our state. 

The history of Arizona's farms and ranches is rich, and the family's lengthy tenure in agriculture signifies a heritage of determination, innovation, and resiliency. In that spirit, AZFB launched the Century Farm & Ranch Program to recognize and honor the following seven family farms and ranches that have thrived for more than a century. 

 

The Rayner Family, A Tumbling T Ranches

The Rayner family purchased the A Tumbling T Ranches in 1913. Today the fourth generation of Rayner's run the 5,500 acres of cotton, alfalfa, and barley. A Tumbling T Ranches is in the West Phoenix Valley. 

 

The Brown Family, Brown Farms

John W. Brown, in the 1890s, purchased the Brown Farm. Today, Brown Farms is a thriving cattle ranch in St. Johns. 

 

The Smallhouse Family, Carlink Ranch

William Bayles first purchased Carlink Ranch in 1879. The ranch spans more than 60,000 acres (10,000 private) in Redington. Carlink ranch is a sixth-generation family farm and ranch first established in the late 1880s.  Andy and AZFB’s current president Stefanie Smallhouse currently manage Carlink. ‘

 

The King Family, King’s Anvil Ranch

King’s Anvil Ranch was first purchased in 1885 by Manuel & Marguerite King.  Together they raise cattle as the third and fourth generations tend to the ranch. 

 

The Rovey Family, Rovey Farms

Rovey Farms was first purchased in 1912 by Albert Rovey. Today the fourth generation on the farm grows alfalfa cotton and small grains including dairy. 

 

The Sossaman Family, Sossaman Farms

The Sossaman Farms in Queen Creek was first homesteaded in 1919. Today the fourth generation of Sossaman’s manage the 800 acres of ancient grains, including barley and bread kinds of wheat. 

 

The Thompson Family, YY Ranch

Brannick Riggs first purchased YY ranch. David and Tina Riggs Thompson currently manage YY Ranch, the fifth generation to tend to the ranch. YY Ranch is in Cochise, where they raise beef cattle.

 

Editor’s Note: This newest program of Arizona Farm Bureau (AZFB) is evergreen. The organization will release the application every year and ask our Arizona farm and ranch families to apply if their family runs a century farm or ranch.