The Arkansas Department of Agriculture announced on Apr. 21 that it is now accepting applications for the Arkansas Century Farm Program, which recognizes families who have owned and farmed the same land in Arkansas for at least a century.
The program aims to honor the contributions of long-standing farm families to the state’s agricultural heritage. Eligible applicants must submit their completed forms online by July 31, 2026, to be considered for this year’s induction. The program is voluntary and free of charge.
To qualify, farms must have been owned by the same family for at least 100 years as of December 31, 2026. Ownership can pass through various family members by birth, marriage or adoption. In addition, each farm must include at least ten acres from its original acquisition and provide financial support to overall farm income. Successful applicants will receive a personalized certificate and a metal sign with their farm name and year established.
Established in 2012, the Arkansas Century Farm Program has inducted a total of 687 farms since its inception according to information released by the department. The agency manages an agricultural sector that contributes over $24.3 billion annually with about 37,400 farms covering approximately 13.7 million acres according to the official website.
The Department oversees funding through boards that allocate millions for research and market development in key commodities such as rice and soybeans according to its official website. It also promotes access to safe water supplies supporting economic development and public health as stated on its website, maintains statewide reforestation efforts through seedling production at Baucum Nursery according to department sources, honors outstanding forest management annually as noted on its website, and serves as a government agency focused on resource conservation and industry support per official information.
More details about eligibility requirements and application procedures are available on the Department’s website.
