Minnesota families who have owned their farms for 100 years or more are encouraged to apply for the Minnesota State Fair's 2008 Century Farm program.

The Century Farm program recognizes family farms according to three qualifications. The farm must be at least 100 years old according to authentic land records, in continuous family ownership for at least 100 years (continuous residence on the farm is not required) and at least 50 acres. Since its inception in 1976, a total of 8,694 Minnesota farms have been designated Century Farms.

A commemorative certificate signed by the president of the state fair, the president of the Minnesota Farm Bureau Federation and Governor Tim Pawlenty will be awarded to qualifying families, along with an outdoor sign signifying Century Farm recognition.

Information on all Century Farm families will be available at the Minnesota Farm Bureau exhibit during the 2008 Minnesota State Fair, which runs Aug. 21 through Labor Day, Sept. 1.

Applications are available through the state fair at www.mnstatefair.org (click the "Recognition Programs" link at the bottom of the home page) or by calling (651) 288-4446. Statewide county extension and Minnesota Farm Bureau offices also have applications available. The application deadline is June 1. Previously recognized families should not re-apply.