MARLBOROUGH, Mass. — Massachusetts Farm Bureau Federation (MFBF) and the Massachusetts State Grange are pleased to present the 2020 edition of their Century Farms book. 132 farms across the Commonwealth have farmed for 100 (or more) continuous years.
“There are about 7,200 farms across Massachusetts,” said MFBF President Mark Amato. “However, less than 2 percent of those farms can be categorized as Century Farms. The farms honored in this book have weathered difficult times and made it through. We want to congratulate them on their accomplishments.”
The published book tells the stories of these farms and their histories. For example, quite a few of the farms got their start with land grants from the King of England in payment for service during the King Philip Wars; French and Indian War; and Revolutionary War. Others bartered for their land through goods like linen cloth. These unique stories give context for the difficulties that Massachusetts farmers have faced keeping their farms in business for 100+ years.
“This is the second edition of the MFBF Century Farm book and I want to thank all the farm families that provided information and photos for the book,” Amato said. “The first book was published in 2010 with assistance from our women’s committee and staff. We are looking forward to publishing a third edition in 2030.”
This book was also made possible with support from American National Insurance and Farm Credit East. To purchase your copy, please visit:Â Â https://www.amazon.
If you own a century farm in Massachusetts and would like to be included in future books, please email MFBF at info@mfbf.net.
–Massachusetts Farm Bureau Federation
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