The Illinois Department of Agriculture has designated a White County farm in Carmi owned by Dartt, LLC as a Sesquicentennial Farm. To qualify as a Sesquicentennial Farm, a straight or collateral line of descendants must own the agricultural property for at least 150 years. The family received this historical distinction to their farm after their application for designation was approved.
“I am privileged to present this distinction to this amazing family,” said Agriculture Acting Director Jerry Costello II.
August 17th at the Illinois State Fair Ag Day in Springfield, Illinois. The event was held on the
Director’s Lawn at the State Fair Grounds during the 2021 Illinois State Fair. This distinguished
award recognizes family farms that have been held by descendants of the same family for 150
years or more. Sharon Dartt is the fifth-generation owner of the 171.74 acre Burnt Prairie
Township farm in northern White County.
Included in the photo: Jerry Costello, Illinois Director of Agriculture, Melissa Dartt-Altmann,
Sharon Dartt, Justin Dartt, and Kelsi Kessler, Miss Illinois County Fair Queen.
“This designation not only honors their farm operation today, but also their ancestors who labored through adversity to maintain the family farm. The Sesquicentennial Farm program helps to reinforce that family farming remains a viable entity in Illinois agriculture.”
The Illinois Sesquicentennial Farms program has recognized 1,160 farms since its inception in the early 1970’s. Centennial Farm owners receive outdoor display signage and a certificate signed by the Governor and the Director of Agriculture. They are also recognized at “Agriculture Day” at the Illinois State Fair.
Application information may be requested by writing to the Illinois Centennial/Sesquicentennial Farms Program, Illinois Department of Agriculture, P.O. Box 19281, Springfield, IL 62794-9281 or by visiting http://www.agriculture.illinois.gov.
