Two Barry County Century Farm Families recognized
Barry County Extension Director Reagan Bluel (left) presented Deanna Burch (right) with her Century Farm Family sign on Thursday evening.
September 7, 2016
Julie Pruitt
Since 1976, more than 8000 century farms have been recognized as a result of the Missouri Committee of Agriculture co-chaired by James B. Boilot, director of Missouri Department of Agriculture, and Elmer R. Kiehl, Dean of the College of Agriculture University of Missouri. The committee wanted to organize a celebration of the American Revolution Bicentennial and one activity was the Centennial Farm project, which awarded certificates to persons owning farms that had been in the same family at least 100 years. The College of Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources and the University of Missouri Extension planned a 10 year update in 1986 called Century Farm Program. This program has been sustained as a yearly event with over 100 farms recognized each year.
This year, two Barry County farms were recognized: Shoal Creek Farms, owned by Deanna Burch, and Stumpff Farms, owned by Charlene Phillips. These farms met the requirements eligibility for recognition of Century Farms by having a minimum of 40 acres of the original farm that has been in the same family for at least 100 years and are still functioning as active farms.
A recognition celebration was given on September 1 at Edmonson Park hosted by the Barry County Extension representatives of the University of Missouri Extension including: Shon Bishop, a horticulturist from Lincoln University who works with Reagan Bluel, the County Program Director/Dairy Specialist; Marissa Tucker, Barry County 4-H Assistant; Becky Wogoman, Barry County Extension Administrative Assistant; and Mike Coffey, regional 4-H specialist covering three counties including Barry County.
Deanna Burch was present as owner of Shoal Creek Farms in Exeter. Shoal Creek Farms can trace its roots through Burch’s great-great grandfather, James D. Wooten, who acquired the farm in 1875. Wooten was not only the owner of this 310 acre farm, he was also a teacher, sheriff and owned the first hardware store in Exeter. Today, the farm is operated by Burch’s brother, Larry Henbest, who raises corn and soybeans are. Burch received a certificate, a booklet listing all the Missouri Century Farm owners for this year and a metal sign with the farm’s name on both sides to be placed at the farm for recognition of its status as a Century Farm.
Phillips was not present at the ceremony.
After Burch was recognized, the Wheaton Wranglers and Exeter Trailblazers were there representing their local 4-H and sharing their experiences from the summer. Their presentations help them earn scholarships for camp and state fees.
Julie Pruitt
Since 1976, more than 8000 century farms have been recognized as a result of the Missouri Committee of Agriculture co-chaired by James B. Boilot, director of Missouri Department of Agriculture, and Elmer R. Kiehl, Dean of the College of Agriculture University of Missouri. The committee wanted to organize a celebration of the American Revolution Bicentennial and one activity was the Centennial Farm project, which awarded certificates to persons owning farms that had been in the same family at least 100 years. The College of Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources and the University of Missouri Extension planned a 10 year update in 1986 called Century Farm Program. This program has been sustained as a yearly event with over 100 farms recognized each year.
This year, two Barry County farms were recognized: Shoal Creek Farms, owned by Deanna Burch, and Stumpff Farms, owned by Charlene Phillips. These farms met the requirements eligibility for recognition of Century Farms by having a minimum of 40 acres of the original farm that has been in the same family for at least 100 years and are still functioning as active farms.
A recognition celebration was given on September 1 at Edmonson Park hosted by the Barry County Extension representatives of the University of Missouri Extension including: Shon Bishop, a horticulturist from Lincoln University who works with Reagan Bluel, the County Program Director/Dairy Specialist; Marissa Tucker, Barry County 4-H Assistant; Becky Wogoman, Barry County Extension Administrative Assistant; and Mike Coffey, regional 4-H specialist covering three counties including Barry County.
Deanna Burch was present as owner of Shoal Creek Farms in Exeter. Shoal Creek Farms can trace its roots through Burch’s great-great grandfather, James D. Wooten, who acquired the farm in 1875. Wooten was not only the owner of this 310 acre farm, he was also a teacher, sheriff and owned the first hardware store in Exeter. Today, the farm is operated by Burch’s brother, Larry Henbest, who raises corn and soybeans are. Burch received a certificate, a booklet listing all the Missouri Century Farm owners for this year and a metal sign with the farm’s name on both sides to be placed at the farm for recognition of its status as a Century Farm.
Phillips was not present at the ceremony.
After Burch was recognized, the Wheaton Wranglers and Exeter Trailblazers were there representing their local 4-H and sharing their experiences from the summer. Their presentations help them earn scholarships for camp and state fees.