Fields Foster Farm Achieved Centennial Status

The Ohio Department of Agriculture officially recognized the farm for 100 years of operation.

Updated on Oct. 14, 2026 in Agriculture

Screen-print poster illustration of an antique hay fork in a wheat field, representing historical agricultural heritage in Ohio.
Fields Foster Farm has reached centennial status, officially recognized by the Ohio Department of Agriculture for a century of agricultural operation. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

Fields Foster Farm has officially reached centennial status following a century of agricultural operation in Ohio. The farm was honored by the Ohio Department of Agriculture after maintaining its historic tenure.

Why it matters

The recognition highlights the enduring legacy of family farms in Ohio. Maintaining continuous operations for over a century serves as a testament to the agricultural history preserved by the local community.

The farm earned its designation based on 100 years of continuous agricultural operation. It remains an active site after passing through generations of ownership.

The players

Jeff and Becky Foster

They are the current owners of the historic property who recently celebrated its centennial achievement.

Ohio Department of Agriculture

This state agency is responsible for overseeing agricultural policy and managing the official Century Farm recognition program.

The details

Ownership of the property transferred from the Craigmile family to Thomas and Eliza Hill in 1923, following the death of Archibald Craigmile. The transfer agreement mandated that the Hill family provide ongoing care for Rebecca Craigmile and her son.

Timeline

  1. Archibald Craigmile died and the property transferred in 1923.

  2. The Craigmile son passed away in 1924.

  3. Eliza Hill and Rebecca Craigmile were documented as bedridden in 1926.

  4. Fields Foster Farm celebrated its centennial designation in 2026.

Market Landscape

This recognition follows the formal standards established by the Ohio Century Farm designation program for historic land preservation. The status aligns with broader state efforts to protect and honor multi-generational agricultural enterprises.

The designation formalizes the historic status of the farm for the surrounding Ohio community. It ensures the site remains recognized as a significant piece of the local agricultural heritage.

The takeaway

Preserving family-run farms for a century requires significant commitment to land management and caregiving responsibilities. Owners can look to state agricultural departments to certify their history and legacy.

Further reading

Learn more about local historical preservation efforts on the Ohio Agriculture page.

Source note: This article includes information reported by People's Defender.