ISC HONOURING 635 FAMILIES WITH A CENTURY FAMILY FARM AWARD

Information Services Corporation (ISC) is honouring 635 farm families across Saskatchewan in 2010 with a Century Family Farm Award.

The award recognizes families who have owned and operated the same farm for 100 years or more. Awards will be handed out at events held across the province in June.

"The family farm has always been the backbone of Saskatchewan's economy and has helped shape the rural traditions of our province," Minister responsible for ISC June Draude said. "Homesteaders had a strong work ethic and today's farm families have that same strength and character. I congratulate all recipients for reaching the centenary milestone."

This year marks the second-highest number of award recipients since the program began in 1981, following a record year in 2009 of 661 families honoured. In total, 3,990 families have received the award over the program's 30 year period.

"Farm and ranch families have played a significant role throughout our province's history," Agriculture Minister Bob Bjornerud said. "These Century Farm Family Award recipients continue to build on the traditions of their ancestors, bring new ideas and innovation to agriculture, and will be an essential part of Saskatchewan's future."

Four celebratory events are being held to honour recipients in June in the following locations:

• Regina - Wednesday, June 16, Queensbury Convention Centre, Evraz Place
• Swift Current - Tuesday, June 22, Credit Union iPlex
• Saskatoon - Thursday, June 24, Western Development Museum
• Yorkton - Tuesday, June 29, Gallagher Centre 

The ISC Century Family Farm Awards are delivered on an annual basis. Recipients must apply for the awards by March 15, and meet the following eligibility criteria:

• Members of the same family have farmed or ranched the land continuously for 100 years or more, and
• The family lives in Saskatchewan and continues to operate their farm or ranch. 

All recipients receive a colour copy of their family's original land grant or title, as well as ISC Century Family Farm Award certificates and a choice of award: an indoor wall plaque or a gate sign. All bear the ISC Century Family Farm Award logo, the family farm name and the year it was established.

For a complete list of the 2010 recipients visit www.isc.ca/cffa.

About ISC

Information Services Corporation (ISC) is the provincial Crown corporation responsible for the administration of land titles, geographic information systems (GIS), vital statistics, surveys, mapping and interests in personal property.

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For more information, contact:

Julianne Jack
Information Services Corporation
Regina
Phone: 306-798-2136
Email: julianne.jack@isc.ca