Committed to preserving the state’s agricultural history, the University of Missouri Extension each year honors farms that have been in the same family for 100 years or more. This year, Greene County is hosting its first Salute to Century Farms event.
Since the Century Farms program began in 1976, the MU Extension has recognized more than 100 such farms in Greene County alone. On Tuesday, Greene County Extension will pay tribute to the area’s 2013 Century Farm designees and Charles and Katherine Buckner, one of this year’s Century Farms recipients.
“His grandpa moved on 60 acres in 1913 and then officially bought it in 1914 and then he sold it to us in 1964, and we’ve had it ever since,” Buckner explains.
Katherine Buckner says they’ve been producing and selling milk from their farm in Fair Grove since 1952.
Century Farms stand the test of time by staying in the same same family for several generations. In the Buckner’s case, the turnover is not as frequent as most families.
“It is really amazing only two different people have owned the 60 acres in 100 years. Most usually it passes down more times than that.”
The Salute to Century Farms ceremony will be held Tuesday from 6-9 p.m. at the historic Round Barn Event Center in Walnut Grove, 10731 W. US Hwy 160. It will feature a silent auction, live music, and guest speaker David Baker on the challenges facing family farms.
All proceeds will benefit Greene County Extension. The ticket deadline was Wednesday.
Considering the theme of the event, it’s only fitting that more than 100 people have ordered tickets.
