COLORADO — Across the nation, family farms and ranches, historic barns and other agricultural sites are disappearing at an alarming rate.  The contributions of Colorado's ranching and farming families have withstood the pressures of growth, changes in farming methods, drought, and economic conditions to preserve these important pieces of our state's commercial and cultural history. 

Program Details 

• The Centennial Farms and Ranches program, presented by History Colorado and the Colorado Department of Agriculture, recognizes four categories of honorees associated with the agricultural history of the State of Colorado.

Centennial Farms or Ranches 

• The farm or ranch has belonged to the same family for at least 100 years; and
• The farm or ranch is currently a working farm or ranch

Centennial Families 

• A family with agricultural experience in Colorado that spans 100 years or more (eg. 1922-2022), not necessarily as landowners

Centennial Farmer or Rancher 

• An individual 100 years of age or older who has spent a majority of their life in agricultural pursuits within the State of Colorado, not necessarily a landowner

Centennial AgriBusiness 

• An organization or business that has been in operation for 100 or more years and primarily serves the agricultural community in Colorado (examples: seed companies, farm implements, Farm Bureau, etc.)

Each year, our Centennial Farms and Ranches honorees are recognized with a celebration at the Colorado State Fair in Pueblo. This year's celebration will be on Aug. 22 at 11 a.m. 

How do I apply? 

To apply for Centennial Farms & Ranches designation, family or business representatives should submit the application below providing information about their agricultural history. 

Application forms should be emailed to the Centennial Farms and Ranches Coordinator, or mailed to the Office of Archaeology and Historic Preservation, by the next deadline: May 1. Email hc_shpo@state.co.us, with any questions.