Today, the National Association of State Departments of Agriculture and the U.S. Department of Agriculture signed a memorandum of understanding establishing the American Farm Legacy 250 Program. This national initiative will recognize farm families who have shaped American agriculture and contributed to the nation’s history while laying the foundation for future generations of farmers.
Building upon existing state Century Farm, Heritage Farm and Legacy Farm programs, NASDA and USDA will collaborate to create a framework commending farms and ranches with a history of family stewardship while celebrating newer farmers.
“America’s farmers and ranchers work tirelessly to feed, clothe and fuel their communities and the world,” NASDA CEO Ted McKinney said. “This partnership between USDA and NASDA recognizes families who have stewarded their land across generations while inspiring the next generation of agricultural leaders. State departments of agriculture are uniquely positioned to help tell these stories and ensure this legacy endures.”
“Before there was a United States of America, there were American farm families working this land, answering the call to defend liberty and laying the foundation for the strongest, most abundant nation the world has ever known,” U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins said. “As we approach America’s 250th birthday, it is only fitting that we honor the families whose grit, sacrifice and stewardship have fed our nation, strengthened our communities and preserved our agricultural heritage across generations. President Trump has made restoring pride in America’s history a national priority, and the American Farm Legacy 250 Program ensures our farmers and ranchers receive the recognition they have earned as true builders of this great country.”
The new program will recognize farms with 250 years of continuous operation, with the first of these farms receiving acknowledgement today at the Great American State Fair. The program will also provide opportunities to recognize other qualifying multigenerational farms through participating state programs.
Under the agreement, USDA will lead the development of the American Farm Legacy 250 Program and NASDA will serve as the primary liaison between USDA and state departments of agriculture, facilitating state participation and supporting the integration of the national effort into existing state programs. The organizations will work jointly to develop recognition materials, coordinate outreach and public engagement efforts and highlight participating farms and ranches across the country.
The memorandum of understanding remains in effect through Dec. 31, 2026.
