Century Farms in Callaway County — Kingdom of Callaway Historical Society

The Centennial Farm project was launched in 1976 to honor people who had owned family farms for over 100 years. There was so much interest in the project it became The Century Farm program ten years later.

Considering the rules for acquiring Century Farm status, it’s not easy being old! The same family must have owned the farm, consisting of at least 40 acres, for 100 years or more with actual farming contributing to the family income.

A few examples of Century Farms in Callaway County –

Wise Brothers left to right. Harrison Backer, David Backer, Matthew Backer

Way back in 1852 two brothers, Jim and John Wise, purchased farms across a dirt road from each other, southwest of McCredie. Little did they know that 169 years later those farms, as well as some of their neighboring relatives’ farms, would still be owned and lovingly farmed by their heirs. Today, Wise Brothers is one of our county’s Century Farms operated by John Luther Wise’s grandson’s nephew David Backer and his sons Harrison and Matthew. Over the decades, Wise Brothers has been home to other much needed businesses such as making bricks, selling cars and tractors, and operating gas stations; but farming was always the backbone of the family business. Today, selling new and used farm equipment, farming and selling the hay, corn and soybeans they grow is their main focus.

There are other farms in Callaway County that have survived and changed with the times. Shryocks Farm has also made a name in the Corn Maze field (excuse the pun) with adults and children from all over, looking forward to the yearly event and games.

Many other recognizable names have been honored such as Bartley, Books, Boulware, Cave, Gathright, Glenn, Holt … the list goes on. Unfortunately, times have changed in the last 45 years and the number of Century Farms has shrunk. Farming has changed quite a bit over 100 years but never its importance. It’s hard, backbreaking work and it’s definitely not your 9 to 5 job. It’s a labor of love – especially when you’re carrying on your family heritage.

A window display is up through August 2021 at the KCHS Museum, 513 Court St., showcasing some of Callaway’s Century Farms. Stop by to take a look!