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Michigan Centennial Farms Program

Celebrating Michigan's farming heritage across the state.

Michigan Centennial Farms

Farm Owners with Sign

The Michigan Centennial Farm Program recognizes farms that have remained in the same family for 100 years or more and highlights the farm’s contributions to the state. To qualify, a property must be a working farm of 10 or more acres that has been continuously owned by the same family for at least 100 years. The Michigan Centennial Farm Program has certified thousands of farms since its inception in 1948 and has been operated by the Historical Society of Michigan (HSM) since 2008.

Apply to Become a Centennial Farm

Is your farm more than 100 years old? Has it continuously operated for that entire time? Has the same family line operated that farm for the 100 year span? If you answered "yes" to those questions, the Michigan Centennial Farms program might be right for you. Learn more about our program and how to apply below. Once your farm is certified, you will receive a certificate as well as our iconic green-and-yellow marker for your farm.

Michigan Centennial Farms Sign

Benefits of the Program

Aerial photo of a Centennial Farm
  • The distinctive green Michigan Centennial Farm sign as a permanent display for your farm's property—join the thousands of already certified farms throughout the state.
  • A certificate stating your farm's official status as a registered Michigan Centennial Farm.
  • A complimentary 1-year Michigan Centennial Farmer Membership.

 

Join a community of Michigan Centennial Farm owners

The Michigan Centennial Farm Association (MCFA) operates as an hub for current farm owners already certified by our Michigan Centennial Farms program. The association publishes a newsletter, meets annually to discuss farm-related topics and elect board members, and provides additional support and programming for its members across the state. 

Does my farm qualify?

To qualify as a Michigan Centennial Farm, your farm must be a working farm of 10 or more acres that has been continuously owned by the same family for at least 100 years.

For more details on qualifications, check out our Frequently Asked Questions

How do I apply?

If you are interested in applying for a Centennial Farm plaque, please fill out our Michigan Centennial Farms Application Form.

All applications must be returned either via email at awards@hsmichigan.org or by mail to the following address: 

Historical Society of Michigan
Michigan Centennial Farms
7435 Westshire Dr.
Lansing, MI 48917

For assistance with your application, check out our Frequently Asked Questions and  Application Guide

What if my farm is older than 100 years?

Our program is not just for centennial celebrations—we also offer awards for sesquicentennial farms (150 years) and bicentennial farms (200 years)!

Previously awarded Centennial Farm members can apply and receive additional plaques and recognition for both Sesquicentennial Farm and Bicentennial Farm awards. You can apply for both Sesquicentennial Farm and Bicentennial Farm awards. 

New farm applicants who qualify for Sesquicentennial Farm or Bicentennial Farm are welcome to apply directly for those awards. Learn more about those applications. 

Can I order a replacement sign if mine is lost or damaged?

If your original sign is damaged, lost, or otherwise in need of repair, we offer replacement signs! Let us know about your sign and order a new one using our Replacement Sign FormPlease note that a farm must still meet the requirements for Michigan Centennial Farm status to qualify for a replacement sign.

Sesquicentennial and Bicentennial Farms

We offer a Sesquicentennial and Bicentennial Farm Program to recognize certified Michigan Centennial Farms that have been owned by the same family for at least 150 or 200 years, respectively, as well as family name signs that can be added to existing Centennial or Sesquicentennial signs for certified farms. Apply to become a Sesquicentennial or Bicentennial Farm using our Michigan Centennial Farm Application. 

Personalize Your Sign

Enhance your current Centennial Farm Sign with a custom name and year sign that hangs below the larger sign. Click on the button below to order! All forms must be mailed to our office. Please note that a farm must still meet the requirements for Michigan Centennial Farm status to qualify for a name and year sign.

Centennial Farm Name Sign

Program Sponsors

Michigan Centennial Farms Program Sponsors

The Michigan Centennial Farms program is made possible through the support of our lead sponsors, DTE Energy Foundation and Consumers Energy. Greenstone Farm Credit Services and select members of the Michigan Electric Cooperative Association also provide support for the program. Learn more about our sponsors and other opportunities for support on our Sponsor page. 

Did You Know?

We feature recently certified Michigan Centennial Farms in our quarterly magazine, Chronicle. Included in our HSM memberships, Chronicle is filled with feature articles and special sections highlighting our state's history. If your farm is certified, the next farm spotlight in Chronicle might be you!

Chronicle Winter 2024 Issue Cover

Still Have Questions? 

Take a look at our Frequently Asked Questions and Application Guide for assistance on general program questions. Our awards team is also here to help. Send us an email at awards@hsmichigan.org, fill out our Contact Form, or give us a call at (517) 324-1828. We look forward to hearing from you!