In July of 2019, a local farmer stopped by the Gallatin County Extension Office and showed a photo of a farm gate sign he saw in another state. It was a small sign that recognized the farm as having been in the same family for over one hundred years. The farmer who took the photo asked if Kentucky had a program similar to this. So, we checked and found that our state does not. But we told the young farmer that, just because the state doesn't have a recognition process for these old farms, didn't mean that Gallatin County couldn't recognize these folks.  

As a result, Gallatin County Extension partnered with the Gallatin County Conservation District and the Gallatin County Fiscal Court. Working together, these groups planned, promoted and executed a tribute event to all the farm families in Gallatin County who have continuously farmed the same land for a hundred years or more. 

Holding on to the same property for a century or more is no small feat. We were surprised to find that in Gallatin County (arguably the smallest county in Kentucky), we had 12 such farms! Of the 12 farms, the oldest was 186 years old; one farm was exactly 100 years old.  

The recognition ceremony itself was attended by well over 100 people. The families being recognized were invited to bring any and all family members they desired. There were even family members who traveled from out of state to attend. All members of the Gallatin County Fiscal Court and Conservation District were in attendance as well as numerous Extension Council members.

The ceremony began with a meal, catered by a local restaurant, and served by members of the Gallatin County Homemakers. After opening remarks by the Gallatin County Agriculture agent, the Gallatin County Judge Executive and the Chairman of the Gallatin County Conservation District offered words of appreciation and congratulations to the 12 farm families.

At the culmination of the ceremony, each farm family was given a 24 by 18 inch sign suitable for posting on their farmstead. The ceremony ended with a slideshow presented with the voice of Paul Harvey reciting his famous "So God Made a Farmer" speech. And yes, a few tears were shed.

The Gallatin County Homestead Farm project identified and recognized 12 families who are committed to agriculture and the agricultural way of life. Moreover, this project allowed a community to show its appreciation for agriculture in general, and to all those who choose this most noble of vocations.