Historical society seeks longtime farmers, ranchers

Keeping a farm or ranch in the same family for 100 years or more through good times and bad deserves recognition.

At the direction of the Montana Legislature, the Montana Historical Society has created the Centennial Farm & Ranch Program to identify and honor the families that have accomplished that feat.

“It is becoming less and less common for a large agricultural property to stay in the same family for one century or more.  Factors like marketplace economics, agribusiness, and other necessary employment opportunities mitigate against holding on to the land your great-great grandparents settled,” said Society director Richard Sims.

In order to qualify for centennial recognition, a farm or ranch must have been passed down through spouses, children, brothers, sisters, nephews, nieces or adopted children in a continuous sequence of ownership. In addition, one current owner must be a Montana resident. The farm or ranch does not have to be listed on the National Register of Historic Places to qualify.

There is a $60 fee to cover the cost of processing applications, and the Society Research Center will provide technical assistance to those who need it. The form is detailed and includes questions about the history of the farm or ranch and the people who lived on it.

The Research Center will place the information in the Society archives and eventually wants to share the histories by putting them on the society website.

Those who want more information or to apply can contact Boughton at 406-444-1687 or by e-mail at jboughton@mt.gov .