MASON COUNTY — With a rich agricultural history, it should come as no surprise that some Mason County farms have been in existence for over 100 years, and the West Virginia Association of Conservation Districts is looking to once again recognize such places and the families that come along with them.

Beginning in 2011, the Century Farm Program recognizes farms that have been under the operation of the same family for at least 100 years and the Western Conservation District is looking for eligible farms in Mason, Jackson and Putman counties.

Over the period of 100 years, it was stated the ownership of the farm can be through a husband, wife, children, brothers, sisters, nephews or nieces. Along with the application form, a summary list of all past owners and their relationship must also be included. The farm must also be at least 10 acres of the original tract and the current owner must generate at least $1000 annually from farm products.

In 2012, there were seven farms recognized in this program and in 2011 there were 14 farms, five of which were located in Mason County. Those five farms were the Bumgarner Farm of James P. and Connie P. Bumgarner, the Jack and Claudia Burris Farm owned by Jack L. and Claudia J. Burris, the Heritage Farm of Tom M. Wilson, the Ohlinger Farm of John W. and Velda W. Ohlinger, and the Yauger Family Farm owned and operated by Clara Catherine Yauger and Roy Raymond Yauger.

As of 2011, the Mason County farms had been in existence for the following amounts of time: The Bumgarner farm, 162 years; the Burris farm, 104 years; the Ohlinger farm,140 years; the Yauger farm, 162 years; and the Heritage farm, 227 years.

Eligible farms must be entered by April 1, 2013, and will be recognized this fall by the Western Conservation District and presented with a West Virginia Century Farm sign. To request and application, or for more information, contact the Western Conservation District at 304-675-3054, or by email at wcd@wvca.us.