Truckenbrod farm in Clarion Township was recently awarded Centennial Farm Status and recognized at the Illinois State Fair Ag Day on Aug. 13 in Springfield. The farm has been owned and operated by the Truckenbrod family for six generations, now since 1885. Attending the presentation are, left to right, Alexi Bladel, 2019 Miss Illinois County Fair Queen; Nick Strohman; Brandi Strohman; Paul Truckenbrod; Patricia Truckenbrod; and John Sullivan, Director of Illinois Department of Agriculture. (Photo contributed)

SPRINGFIELD – The Illinois Department of Agriculture has designated the farm in La Moille owned by Paul and Patricia Truckenbrod and Nicholas and Brandi Strohman a Centennial Farm. To qualify as a Centennial Farm, a straight or collateral line of descendants must own the agricultural property for at least I 00 years. The family received this historical distinction to their farm after their application for designation as a Centennial Farm was approved.

“I am privileged to present this distinction to this amazing family,” said Agriculture Acting Director John M. Sullivan. “This designation not only honors their farm operation today, but also their ancestors who labored through adversity to maintain the family farm. The Centennial Farm program helps to reinforce that family farming remains a viable entity in Illinois agriculture.”

The Illinois Centennial Farms program has recognized more than 1,1021 farms since its inception in the early 1970’s. Centennial Farm owners receive outdoor display signage and a certificate signed by the Governor and the Director of Agriculture. They are also recognized at “Agriculture Day” at the Illinois State Fair.

Application information may be requested by writing to the Illinois Centennial/Sesquicentennial Farms Program, Illinois Department of Agriculture, P.O. Box 19281, Springfield, IL 62794-9281 or by visiting agriculture.illinois.gov.