The Tennessee Department of Agriculture, the Tennessee Agricultural Museum and the Center for Historic Preservation recently welcomed farm families and agricultural leaders to the Tennessee Agricultural Museum to celebrate Tennessee’s Century Farms program and the launch of Carroll Van West’s new book, Tennessee’s Frontier Century Farms: An Enduring Legacy of Family, Farming, and Community.
The June 2 event honored the generations of Tennessee families whose farms have remained in continuous agricultural operation and family ownership for 100 years or more.
“Tennessee’s Century Farms represent the strength, resilience and dedication of our farm families,” Agriculture Commissioner Andy Holt said. “Agriculture is Tennessee’s top industry, and these farms tell the story of that success through generations of hard work, stewardship, and commitment to the land. We are proud to celebrate the families who have preserved this heritage for future generations.”
Established in 1975 during the nation’s bicentennial celebration, the Tennessee Century Farms Program now includes more than 2,300 farms representing all 95 Tennessee counties.
The program recognizes the importance of preserving Tennessee’s agricultural heritage and the role farm families play in sustaining rural communities and the state’s economy.
“Our Frontier Century Farms are the foundation of Tennessee’s history, culture and economy,” West said. “Family-owned and operated, these special farms are among the best places to celebrate and commemorate who we are and what we have accomplished as Tennesseans.”
The event also recognized the educational and historical value of the Century Farms program, which encourages families to preserve photographs, records and stories documenting Tennessee’s agricultural history. These materials provide valuable resources for historians, students and future generations.
Van West is Tennessee state historian, MTSU professor of history, and director of the Center for Historic Preservation. He was recognized for his decades of work documenting and preserving Tennessee history and culture. His newest book highlights the enduring legacy of Tennessee farm families and the communities they have shaped across the state.
As Tennessee continues to grow and develop, state leaders emphasized the importance of farmland preservation and recognizing the multigenerational families who continue to shape Tennessee agriculture.