Adams County Bicentennial to celebrate heritage farms during September event at fairgrounds

QUINCY — As part of the upcoming Bicentennial celebrations in 2025, Adams County is set to honor the enduring legacy of its heritage farms.

On Saturday, Sept. 6, during the Adams County Bicentennial Finale at the Adams County Fairgrounds, farms that have been in the same family for 150 years or more will be recognized and presented with a special Adams County Bicentennial sign to commemorate this milestone.

The initiative aims to acknowledge the dedication and resilience of farming families that have preserved their agricultural heritage for generations. Only a few sesquicentennial (150 years) farms in Adams County are registered with the Illinois Department of Agriculture, with several more centennial (100 years) farms potentially qualifying for sesquicentennial status.

Farm owners are encouraged to submit applications to the Illinois Department of Agriculture as soon as possible to allow time for certification. Even if a farm will reach sesquicentennial status in 2025 but lacks full certification, owners can still apply for recognition at the Adams County Bicentennial Finale by submitting completed documentation to the Adams County clerk/recorder.

The Illinois Department of Agriculture administers the Illinois Heritage Farm Programs to honor the generations of farmers who have maintained family farms in the state. Qualifying agricultural properties must have been owned by the same family of direct or collateral descendants for 100, 150 or 200 years. Once certified, farm owners will receive a press release for local media, an invitation to Agriculture Day at the Illinois State Fair and a certificate signed by the governor.

While the state charges a $50 processing fee for each application, there is no fee associated with the Adams County Bicentennial recognition. Application materials and historical documents are preserved by the Illinois Department of Agriculture.

For more information and to access application forms, visit the Illinois Department of Agriculture website. For prompt consideration, applicants are urged to initiate the paperwork without delay. Processing time for applications by the IDOA may vary.

Farm owners are encouraged to contact Adams County Clerk/Recorder Ryan Niekamp at 217-277-2150 to arrange a meeting for application review and verification.

Owners of farms already registered as Centennial farms can request application information from the Illinois Department of Agriculture by calling 217-557-6993. Dave Bockhold at bockhold@adams.net or 217-242-0813 and Susan York at yas825@aol.com or 217-964-2146 are available for further inquiries about the program.

The Adams County Bicentennial celebrates the rich history, heritage and community spirit of Adams County, Illinois. The Bicentennial commemorates 200 years of progress and resilience, honoring the contributions of its residents to the county’s growth and development.