Farm program targets 100-year family traditions

Columbiana County has seven farms that have been in the same family for 100 years.

By D.A. WILKINSON

VINDICATOR SALEM BUREAU

LISBON — Ohio and Columbiana County officials are looking for more old farms.

Farms that have been in the same family for 100 years or more, to be precise.

Cindy Shy, an event coordinator for the Ohio Department of Natural Resources, last week explained the Ohio Century Farm program. “This program is near and dear to me,” she said.

When Ohio was recognized as a state in 1803, most people lived on farms. While society now seems to be obsessed with e-mails, text messages and all things electronic, the program celebrates Ohio’s still considerable farming industry.

Shy said the oldest farm in the state is in Adams County, and dates to 1772. For perspective, that was before the American colonies went to war against England in 1776.

Many of the farmers, she said, undoubtedly went through hard times over the decades.

To qualify for the program, the farm must have been owned by the same family for at least 100 years. That can include the sale or transfer of the farm to the new son-in law.

There are 700 registered Century farms in Ohio, including seven farms in Columbiana County.

The oldest, the Greene Family Farm, 4089 Yates Road, Salem, was established in 1804. That was one year after Columbiana County was established. For perspective, that was before the United States’ second war with England in 1812.

A meeting on the program last week was the idea of Columbiana County Recorder Craig Brown. “It’s a cool program,” he said.

There’s no particular benefit from being in the program, but it celebrates the farming heritage and work ethic.

Brown’s office has the documentation needed to show the legal passage of the property.

Brown said the original records dating to 1803, when the county was formed, have been destroyed. The county has electronic copies.

The state program says people who have their farms certified as Century farms can buy a special sign for $75. Brown said he would pay for the new signs.

And, there are people just waiting for their farm to hit 100.

Phil Greenisen, a businessman and former Salem councilman, said research showed his farm in Perry Township has only been in the family for 92 years.

Greenisen said he thought his grandfather bought the property in 1908, which would make the farm eligible this year. As it turned out, his grandfather leased the property at first.

“He didn’t buy it until 1916,” Greenisen said.

County commissioners this year decided to give more funds to farming-related programs such as the county Cooperative Extension Service, the county’s Soil and Water Conservation District, and the county fair. The fair every year recognizes farmers of the past who contributed to the county’s growth.

wilkinson@vindy.com