Two Moniteau County century farm families were recognized by the University of Missouri's Morgan/Moniteau County Extension office Monday night in Versailles.
The Tom and Louise Osborn family farm, located in California, was recognized, as was the Kelly Borts family farm, located in Tipton. Those present representing the Osborn family farm were Tom and Louise, Charm Osborn, and Aubrey Osborn. Those present representing the Borts family farm were Kelly and Briana Borts, Jack and JoAnn Borts, Jacob Borts, Hillary Rogers, and children Charlie, Kaitlyn and Lauren.
To be designated as a century farm, the farm must have been in the family for more than 100 years. Additionally, the farm needs to include at least 40 acres of the original homestead.
The Osborn farm, in the family since 1913, sits on 60 acres of its original homestead. The original 130-acre farm was purchased by Tom's great-great-grandfather, Jefferson Davis Hill. Tom Osborn said the farm will pass down his family line - from he and his wife to his daughter, Charm, and then to his granddaughter, Aubrey.
Tom Osborn said anything his great-great-grandparents needed, they produced for themselves on the farm, from the gardens, the fruit trees and the livestock. He said, in 1942, the family nearly lost the farm but was able to stay afloat thanks to loans and other financial boons.
The Borts farm was established in 1893, and sits on 69 acres of its original homestead. The family had four generations represented in Versailles Monday evening.