In 1986, the Colorado Centennial Farms & Ranches program was created by Governor Richard D. Lamm, the Colorado Historical Society (now History Colorado) and the Colorado Department of Agriculture to recognize the important role agriculture has played in our state's history and economic development. Today, the program is administered by History Colorado. The Colorado Centennial Farms & Ranches program was the first program of its kind in the nation to give a Historic Structures Award to families who have successfully preserved historic buildings on their farms and ranches.
Families who have owned and operated their farm or ranch for 100 years or more are encouraged to submit a nomination to receive a Colorado Centennial Farms & Ranches award. Selected nominees are honored each year at the Centennial Farms & Ranches Celebration at the Colorado State Fair in Pueblo, Colo., in August. Nominees must meet the following requirements to be honored as a Colorado Centennial Farm or Ranch:
- Farming or ranching properties must have remained in the same family continuously for at least 100 years
- Each property must still operate as a working farm or ranch
- Farms or ranches must have a minimum of 160 acres
- Properties with fewer than 160 acres can qualify if they gross at least $1,000 in annual sales
How to nominate: Download a Colorado Centennial Farms application, or call 720-921-0920.
Application Deadline: May 1 (of each year)
Centennial Farms & Ranches Awards: Awards will be presented at the Colorado State Fair in Pueblo in August. At the ceremony, award recipients will receive a certificate signed by the Governor and a sign to display on their property. In addition, families who have maintained historic buildings on their property that are 50 years old or older will be recognized with a Historic Structures Award.
To date, more than 400 Colorado farms and ranches representing 61 counties across the state have received the Centennial Farms award.
More Information: Visit History Colorado's Centennial Farms& Ranches website
Questions: Contact Lindsey Flewelling at 720-921-0920 or lindsey.