Preserve

Centennial Farms & Ranches

Across the nation, family farms and ranches, historic barns and other agricultural sites are disappearing at an alarming rate. In Colorado, the family farm and working cattle ranch serve as a reminder of how the West was settled.

The contributions of Colorado's ranching and farming families have withstood the pressures of growth, changes in farming methods, drought, and economic conditions to preserve these important pieces of our state's commercial and cultural history.

2021 Celebration

This year’s Centennial Farms and Ranches will honor those families recognized for their perseverance and resilience through the changing times. History Colorado did not celebrate the 2020 awardees last year. This year History Colorado invites all families for 2020 and 2021 to attend the celebration held annually at the Colorado State Fairgrounds in Pueblo. 

This year’s event will be on August 27th, 2021 from 1:00-3:00 p.m. at the Weatherport Tent. We will be recognizing 27 families that will add to the legacy of Centennial Farms and Ranches.

Program Details

The Centennial Farm & Ranches program honors families that meet the following criteria:

• Farms or ranches must have remained in the same family continuously for 100 years or more.
• Property must be a working farm or ranch.
• Property must have a minimum of 160 acres -- however, properties with fewer than 160 acres can qualify if they gross at least $1,000 in annual sales.
• Properties that have four or more well-maintained buildings/structures -- which are at least 50 years old -- may be eligible for a Historic Structures Award.