Carroll recorder shares farm program information

Carroll County Recorder Patricia Oyer is working to increase the number of Carroll County farms recognized through the Ohio Historic Family Farms program.

Oyer said the effort is intended to help farm owners who may not know about the program or how to apply.

Anyone interested may contact Oyer or her staff at 330-627-4545 or stop at the recorder’s office in the courthouse to begin the process. The office is open 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday.

The Ohio Department of Agriculture is committed to helping preserve farmland for future generations. The farms are living pieces of Ohio’s history, and recognizing them highlights families that have weathered generations of change while contributing to local economies, communities and the state’s agricultural identity.

The Ohio Historic Family Farms program is a voluntary program administered by the Ohio Department of Agriculture. Since 1993, the department has recognized families that have owned their farms for at least 100 years. More than 2,200 farms are registered across the state.

Families may apply to have their farm recognized in one of three categories: Century Farm for 100 years, Sesquicentennial Farm for 150 years or Bicentennial Farm for 200 years, based on how long the land has remained continuously in the family.

Each family receives a certificate signed by the governor and the director of agriculture to keep with their historic documents and pass down to future generations.

For more information about the program or how to apply, email agrcentury@agri.ohio.gov or call 614-752-4505.