The South Dakota Department of Agriculture and Natural Resources and the South Dakota Farm Bureau announced on June 13 that applications are open for the Century Farm and Ranch program, which will recognize generational family farms and ranches at the 2026 South Dakota State Fair.
To qualify, applicants must have maintained continuous ownership of at least 80 acres of original farmland for a minimum of 100 years. Families with ownership spanning 125 or 150 years may apply for Quasquicentennial or Sesquicentennial recognition. Applicants are required to submit documentation verifying the original date of purchase.
Application forms can be accessed online or by calling the South Dakota Farm Bureau at 605-353-8050. The deadline for submissions is Friday, August 1, 2026. Recognized families will be honored on Thursday, September 3, at 10 a.m. on the South Dakota Farm Bureau Dakotaland Stage during the State Fair in Huron. The fair is scheduled from Wednesday, September 2, through Monday, September 7.
For more information about State Fair events, individuals can contact the Fair office at 800-529-0900 or visit www.sdstatefair.com. Additional updates are available on Facebook, Instagram, and X.
The South Dakota Department of Agriculture and Natural Resources supports a thriving economy, varied farming prospects, clean air, clean water and healthy communities for South Dakota residents according to the official website. The department functions as part of South Dakota’s state government and aims to safeguard agriculture, environment and natural resources via regulatory services, conservation efforts and support programs according to the official website. It extends its operations statewide across South Dakota and provides regulatory services as well as conservation programs to promote agriculture and environmental care according to the official website.
More details about eligibility requirements and event information can be found as listed on the organization’s website.
