Century Farm Awards Return to South Dakota Fair

By Scout Nelson

The South Dakota Department of Agriculture and Natural Resources and the South Dakota Farm Bureau invite farm and ranch families to apply for recognition through the Century Farm and Ranch program. The program celebrates families who have owned and operated agricultural land for many generations.

This recognition program highlights the long history and strong tradition of farming and ranching in South Dakota. Families who have maintained continuous ownership of farmland for many years are honored for their dedication to agriculture and rural communities.

To qualify for the Century Farm and Ranch program, applicants must show that their family has owned at least 80 acres of the original farmland for 100 years or more. Families who have maintained ownership for even longer periods may receive additional recognition.

If the farm or ranch has been owned by the same family for 125 years, it can be recognized as a Quasquicentennial farm or ranch. Farms or ranches that have been owned for 150 years may qualify as a Sesquicentennial farm or ranch. Applicants must provide documents confirming the original purchase date.

Families interested in participating in the program can obtain application forms online or by contacting the South Dakota Farm Bureau at 605-353-8050. The application deadline is Friday, August 1, 2026.

Selected families will be honored during the South Dakota State Fair in Huron. The recognition ceremony is scheduled for Thursday, September 3, at 10 a.m. on the South Dakota Farm Bureau Dakotaland Stage.

The South Dakota State Fair will take place from Wednesday, September 2, through Monday, September 7. The event begins with Channel Seeds Opening Day and includes several agricultural activities, exhibits, and family events.

The Century Farm and Ranch recognition program serves as an important reminder of the dedication of farm families who continue to care for the land generation after generation. Their efforts help strengthen agriculture and preserve South Dakota’s farming heritage.

For additional information about the program or State Fair events, people can contact the fair office, visit the official State Fair website, or follow updates on social media platforms.

Photo by: gettyimages-frankvandenbergh