Clark – Gardner Family recognized by Century Farms Program

The Stone County University of Missouri Extension recognized the 2026 Missouri Century Farms program inductee from Stone County, the Clark - Gardner family, on Sept. 3 at the MU Extension Annual Picnic. The event was hosted by the Stone County MU Extension Council and was held at the Stone County Courthouse The evening included a meal served by the council members and special recognitions for the Century Farm family.

(Left to right): Blake, Aubrey, Harper, Hadassah and Hayes Simmons; Latishia Clark holding the sign; Jeff Clark behind Latishia; Tim and Debby Gardner; and Luke and Erica Gardner (Photo submitted by Stone County Extension)

Family member Latisha Clark accepted the award. The Clark family originally acquired the farm in 1907. The original owner of the 80-acre farm was F.E. Evans, Latisha Clark’s great grandfather, located in Crane. Currently the farm is used for beef cattle and hay production by the Clark and Gardner families.

The Centennial Farm project was initiated in Missouri in 1976; it awarded certificates to those individuals owning farms that had been in the same family for 100 years or more. In 1986, the University of Missouri Extension and the MU College of Agriculture created the annual Century Farm program and recognition. Missouri Farm Bureau became a co-sponsor in 2008. Since the program started in 1976, more than 8,000 Missouri farms have received the Century Farm designation.

University of Missouri Extension programs focus on the high-priority needs of Missourians to improve lives, communities and economies by providing relevant, responsive and reliable educational solutions. MU Extension programs are open to all. More information on this topic is available online at http://extension.missouri.edu.