PRESS CONTACT:
Angelika Albaladejo, Communications and Public Relations Manager
(720) 541-2334 | hc_media@state.co.us

The Centennial Farms & Ranches Program is an initiative of History Colorado and the Colorado Department of Agriculture that recognizes the contributions of the state’s ranching and farming families who have withstood the pressures of growth, changes in farming methods, as well as evolving environmental and economic conditions to preserve important pieces of Colorado’s commercial and cultural history.

“The resilience and innovation of Colorado's farming and ranching families have sustained agriculture in our communities through the decades, and we are excited to be able to recognize and honor their vital contributions,” said Lindsey Flewelling, History Colorado’s Preservation Planner for the Centennial Farms & Ranches program.

This year marks the 40th anniversary of Centennial Farms & Ranches, which was started in 1986 by then-Governor Richard Lamm. Over the years, more than 700 farms, ranches and families have received this honor at ceremonies celebrated at the Colorado State Fair. In recent years, Centennial Farms & Ranches has also awarded nine Agricultural Legacy Awards to people and organizations who have dedicated their lives to strengthening agriculture in Colorado.

Centennial Farms & Ranches expanded in 2022 to promote a more diverse and inclusive celebration of families, farmers, ranchers and agricultural businesses with 100 or more years of experience contributing to the Centennial State’s agriculture. 

From Colorado’s Eastern plains to its Southern terrain, the Centennial Farms & Ranches program celebrates people and places across the state, including these recent honorees: 

• The Hirakata family, who began farming in Rocky Ford in 1915 and became leaders in Colorado agriculture while continuing to grow crops on their multi-generational farm in Otero County.
• Western Sugar Cooperative, a grower-owned co-op recognized as an industry leader in sustainability and a pioneer in the sugar beet industry of Northern Colorado.
• The Candelaria family, whose ancestors settled on ranchland near Pagosa Springs sometime before 1905, and have focused for more than 120 years on maintaining soil health and protecting the land at Ranchito Alegre in Archuleta County. 
• The Everitt family, who started homesteading east of Parker in 1874 and in the years since took ownership of the land, raising horses and later cattle, and now running a cattle co-op in Elbert County.

To be recognized by the Centennial Farms & Ranches program, applicants must submit an application and provide verification of eligibility. A complete list of eligibility requirements are included in the 2026 Centennial Farms & Ranches Application. The deadline for applications is May 1, 2026. To apply or learn more, please visit h-co.org/CentennialFarms or call (303) 866-3392.

Awardees will be honored for their perseverance and resilience at the Colorado State Fair, held every August in Pueblo. This year, the celebration will also mark the twin anniversaries of 150 years of Colorado statehood and 250 years of American independence.

Throughout 2026, History Colorado and the Colorado Department of Agriculture are inviting communities to reflect on this once-in-a-generation commemoration through a series of events, exhibitions, and projects, including the Centennial Farms & Ranches celebration this summer. 

The Colorado Department of Agriculture’s celebrations throughout the year are themed around “Setting Colorado’s Table.” To kick off 2026, CDA unveiled a large, traveling mural that celebrates the history of agriculture. The mural is currently on view at the CSU Spur campus in Denver until March 20, and will later go to Pueblo for display throughout the Colorado State Fair. CDA and History Colorado are also partnering to make a coffee table book celebrating Colorado’s 150 years of agricultural history. In the fall, CDA will host a series of harvest dinners, in partnership with Longer Tables, to bring people together over a shared meal. More information on the planned celebrations is available at SettingColoradosTable.com. 
 

About the Centennial Farms & Ranches Program
History Colorado, the Colorado Department of Agriculture, and the Colorado State Fair have partnered to honor Colorado’s agricultural heritage through the Centennial Farms & Ranches Program since 1986, when the program was initiated by former Governor Richard Lamm. Currently more than 700 families, agribusinesses, and individuals have been recognized by the program for their dedication to sustaining Colorado’s agricultural industry. Collectively, they represent the powerful history of Colorado’s farmers and ranchers who have supported and innovated Colorado agriculture for more than 100 years.

About History Colorado
History Colorado is a 146-year-old institution that offers access to our state’s history through enriching experiences at eleven museums and historic sites. As an agency of the State of Colorado and a non-profit organization, History Colorado is committed to serving all Coloradans through generational work that centers communities, deepens knowledge and catalyzes the transformative power of history.

History Colorado is also home to a free public research center, people-centered preservation work done by the State Historical Fund and the State Historic Preservation Office, the Office of the State Archaeologist, the State Historians Council, and many other community-driven public history projects such as the Museum of Memory. History Colorado stewards more than 15 million objects, photographs, and archival resources that make up the State’s collection, and serve tens of thousands of learners of all ages each year. History Colorado is one of only six Smithsonian Affiliates in Colorado. Visit HistoryColorado.org, or call 303-HISTORY, for more information. #HistoryColorado

About the Colorado Department of Agriculture
The Colorado Department of Agriculture exists to support the state's agriculture industry and serve the people of Colorado through regulation, advocacy, and education. Its mission is to strengthen and advance Colorado agriculture, promote a safe and high-quality food supply, protect consumers, and foster responsible stewardship of the environment and natural resources. Learn more at ag.colorado.gov.

A division of the Colorado Department of Agriculture, the mission of the Colorado State Fair Authority is to celebrate Colorado’s vibrant and diverse agricultural industry and culture by creating an entertaining, inspiring, and educational inter-generational experience.