Century Farms

The Century Farm Program was introduced in 1981 to honour Manitoba's pioneer farm families. Century Farm Status is available where a family has owned a farm unit continuously for one hundred years.
Application forms are available from all Manitoba Agriculture Offices or click here. To submit your application, please return it to your local Manitoba Agriculture Office.

Basic eligibility requirements for the program:

  • Minimum land size is 50 acres at all times - this is strictly adhered to.
  • Records and reasonable proof include:
    • Photocopies from Land Titles of Abstract titles for 100 years
    • Photocopies of tax assessment rolls to show earliest date of ownership
    • Letter from RM/LGD office verifying tax assessments for 100 years. Any other documentation located showing ownership

Also needed is information about the farm site:

  • Date original site was first occupied by family
  • Legal description of original site. This is the legal description which will be recognized on the Century Farm Program Certificate(s).
  • The Rural Municipality (RM) or Local Government District (LGD) the original site is located.
  • Original size of farm site in acres. Minimum land size 50 acres.
  • Current size in acres may be different from original - again the family must own a minimum of 50 acres to meet eligibility requirements.
  • Documents are required to prove occupancy of site from date recorded in 3A. These documents may include -
    • Land titles/deeds/land abstract - copies may be located at nearest Land Titles Office.
    • Tax assessment roles - these may be located at the RM/LGD office where land site is located. Note: If RM's do not wish to photocopy old assessment roles, a letter from the RM/LGD on official letterhead, indicating family names on assessment roles during the years requested, is also acceptable.
    • Other documentation showing ownership may also be located at Provincial Archives. The Provincial Archivist or clerks will assist in locating information if asked. There are charges for photocopies of documents or microfilm - ask for rates before getting them done.
  • Including a family history is optional - sometimes a presenter asks for some background information to use as part of their presentation. This can be attached to the application.

There are two categories in which your application will fall into:

  • Category 1 - Eligible for both a Gate Sign and Certificate. This category is for those families who own and operate the century farm unit and still live there
  • Category 2 - Eligible for a Certificate only. This category covers any family who owns a century farm unit, and has operated this unit for a portion of the 100 years, but do not live on the farm at the present time.