Clay County Times-Democrat: Local News: Local Century Farm Recognized (01/03/13)

Butch Calhoun (left), the new Arkansas Secretary of Agriculture, makes the Century Farm presentation to the Thomas-Smart Farm. Those on hand included, from left--Calhoun, Wade Smart, John Daniel Smart, Peggy Smart, Hannah Smart, Morgan Smart, Leah Smart and Rebecca Smart.

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The Arkansas Agriculture Department held a presentation ceremony Tuesday, Dec. 18 in Batesville to recognize "Century Farms" in Northeast Arkansas. The ceremony was held to recognize qualified farms in the northeast portion of the state and present them with certificates and a sign. Several farms were honored, including two in Clay County.

The Arkansas Century Farm program is a new effort that recognizes Arkansas's rich agricultural heritage and honors families who have owned and farmed the same land for at least 100 years. The program is voluntary, places no restrictions on the land and there are no fees.

The qualify, farms must meet the following criteria--

The same family must have owned the farm for 100 years by Dec.31, 2012. The line of ownership from the original settler or buyer may be through children, grandchildren, siblings and nephews or nieces. Those requirements may also be met through marriage or adoption.

The farm must be at least 10 acres of the original land acquisition and make a financial contribution to the overall farm income.

Farms in Clay County that meet the criteria, and were recognized include--the Thomas-Smart Farm, owned by Thomas Henry Smart of Piggott and the Guthrey Farm, owned by Clarence and Estel Guthrey of Corning.

There was also one farm from Greene County included, the Granny Holligan Farm, owned by Carolyn Long Palmer of Paragould.

In all, some 23 farms in Northeast Arkansas were recognized.