Tuscola Co. farm is Centennial Farm Association’s 2024 Farm of the Year

TUSCOLA CO., Mich. (WNEM) - A farm in Unionville has been awarded as the 2024 Farm of the Year by the Michigan Centennial Farm Association.

Every year, the Michigan Centennial Farm Association - a group of centennial farm owners that discuss, share, and promote farming history and community across Michigan - recognizes a farm of the year. Farm owners can apply for the award based on five criteria: longevity, stewardship, historic preservation, community involvement, and organizational membership/promotional activity.

This year, the Leonard and Sarah Bell Farm in Unionville has been recognized as the farm of the year.

According to the Historical Society of Michigan, the farm was established in September of 1919 by by Leonard and Sarah (Briggs) Bell. It played an important part in the agricultural heritage of Michigan, and the Bells were both children of some of Tuscola County's earliest families. Leonard primarily grew wheat, corn, and navy beans, and he grew oats and hay for his horses and dairy cattle.

The Bell family farm has earned several accolades throughout the years as well. The historical society said it was awarded a federal Certificate of Farm War Service during World War II. Additionally, there is a National Wildlife Federation Certified Wildlife Habitat, a Monarch Waystation, and a Certified Butterfly Garden on the property.

The 76-acre farm is used to grow sugar beets, corn, navy beans, soybeans, and wheat, and they rotate every year. The farm is now owned by David and Phyllis Bell, the sixth generation of the Bell family, the historical society said. Their great-grandchildren love to help care for the farm animals as well as participating in planting and harvesting.

The Bell family will receive the 2024 Farm of the Year award on Saturday, Nov. 9, during the Michigan Centennial Farm Association annual meeting in Lansing.