STE. GENEVIEVE, Mo.—Clement and Delores “Dee” Gegg were recognized as the owner of a 2022 Missouri Century Farm. This program celebrates the lasting contributions farmers and ranchers have made to our country’s and state’s heritage.
Located in River Aux Vases, Gegg Farms has been in the family since 1898, with 107 acres qualifying for the award. In the past, the farm produced wheat and barley, and cattle, hogs, and chickens were raised. Clem and Dee live in the original home that has been renovated, and their grandchildren make the fifth generation involved with farm operations and raising livestock.
The selection and recognition process for Missouri Century Farms requires that the same family must have owned the farm for 100 consecutive years or more as of Dec. 31, 2022. Additionally, the line of ownership from the original settler or buyer may be through children, grandchildren, siblings and nephews and nieces, including through marriage or adoption. Finally, the present farm shall consist of no less than 40 acres of the original land, and it shall make a financial contribution to the overall farm income.
The Missouri Century Farm program’s history dates back to 1976 as a result of the Missouri Committee for Agriculture. Other organizations became involved over the years, including the College of Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources; the University of Missouri Extension; and the Missouri Farm Bureau. Since Missouri began the program in 1976, more than 8,000 century farms have been recognized.
The next application period will open in February 2023.
Local recipients like Gegg Farms will be formally recognized at the annual Soils and Crops Conference in February 2023.