Not all of us can say we’ve been farming for a century or more.

For years, you’ve probably seen the “Century Farm” signs throughout our state, maybe even in our county. A Century Farm is a farm officially recognized by the Center for Historic Preservation. The farm must meet the requirements provided by the CHP. Some of the requirements are: providing proof how long the farm has been in the family, the land must be at least 10 acres of the original farm to be considered, and the farm must produce at least $1000 income during the application year. Not to mention one owner must be a resident of Tennessee. Most people don’t realize the application process involves proving everything like a founding date and ownership records which aren’t that easy to find. In addition to that, the application also requests photographs from the farm from any generation.

One Marshall County resident endured the long and tedious application process, and it finally paid off. Her family’s farm is officially recognized as a Century Farm located in Lewisburg. It will be known as the Ancestral Farm and Home Place of Joseph and Sarah Robinson.

Amelia Armstrong, the current owner of the farm, acquired the farm in 2008. She is the great, great, great granddaughter of the founder. The history of the land itself dates back to the 1700s.

The Marshall County Historical Society distinguishes this particular farm as one of the oldest in the county.

The farm currently produces dairy and beef in addition to soybeans and hay. There are some buildings on the farm that have been there since 1960 like the barn, outbuildings for chickens, the workshop, and the corn crib. Armstrong and her husband are actively involved in running the farm.

It’s a big job to take on, but they get it done with the help of family and workers on the farm.

Photo submitted

This picture shows three generations standing at the Century Farm’s location in Lewisburg with the current owner Amelia Armstrong.

From left: Catherine, her niece, Lauren O’Neal, Catherine’s daughter, and Amelia Armstrong