Century Farm and Ranch Families: It’s Time to Celebrate Again
Author
Published
5/3/2023
As the sun daily rises on your 2023, you look over at the horizon sipping that cup of coffee (or tea) and you might be reflecting on all the years your generational farm or ranch family has been in business. Arizona Farm Bureau wants to recognize you and your farm and ranch legacy. We’re looking for those Arizona Farms and Ranches that have reached the 100-year mark or will by the end of this year!
Arizona Farm Bureau has now celebrated eight families since the program started in 2021. The recognition occurs during its Annual Meeting in November earning those recognized the Century Farm and Ranch designation.
Last year, the Angle Orchard Farm Family received recognition for their family’s achievement of 100 years of continuous business in agriculture in Arizona. Arizona Farm Bureau is seeking others to recognize this year.
An ongoing program of the Arizona Farm Bureau (AZFB), The Century Farm and Ranch Program is committed to recognizing Arizona’s farm and ranch families in business for a least 100 years. If your family’s farm or ranch is eligible this year (2023), go to https://www.azfb.org/News/Century-Farms-Ranches to download and fill out the application listed online.
Application Details
The application deadline is the first Monday in July (July 3, 2023) and must be received by Arizona Farm Bureau by that date (this is not a postmark deadline). Qualified applications received after July 3 will be considered for the 2024 Century Farm and Ranch Program, as the effort will be ongoing.
Because Arizona Farm Bureau and participating Farm Bureau counties are underwriting the effort, those farm and ranch families must be current members of Arizona Farm Bureau.
If Selected, What Happens Next?
Once applications are received by the July 3, 2023, deadline and reviewed, AZFB will notify qualified applicants. In addition, a variety of recognitions will take place.
- You'll receive a certificate from your county Farm Bureau leadership.
- During Arizona Farm Bureau's Annual Meeting in November, you'll be recognized before your peers during an awards dinner.
- Additionally, Arizona Farm Bureau will send you home with a sign recognizing your farm or ranch as a Century Farm/Ranch.
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 will continue the Century Farm and Ranch Program to recognize and honor our Arizona family farms and ranches that have thrived for more than a century.
Editor’s note: Please return the completed application to Arizona Farm Bureau Century Farm Program to the attention of Julie Murphree at 325 South Higley Road, Gilbert, AZ 85296. Or email your application to outreach@azfb.org.