Red Bud farm granted 'Sesquicentennial' status

The Illinois Department of Agriculture has designated the farm in Red Bud owned by Margaret Luebkemann of Red Bud a Sesquicentennial Farm.

To qualify as a Sesquicentennial Farm, the agricultural property must be owned by a straight or collateral line of descendants for at least 150 years.

The Luebkemann family received this historical distinction to their farm after their application for designation as a Sesquicentennial Farm was approved.

"I am privileged to present this distinction to the Luebkemann family," said Agriculture Director Raymond Poe in a news release. "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 farms since its inception in 2000. Sesquicentennial Farm owners receive outdoor display signage an a certificate signed by the Governor and the Director of Agriculture.

They are also recognized at "Agriculture Day" at the Illinois State Fair.

The family also received a certificate signed by Gov. Bruce Rauner which reads:

"We hereby certify that this farm has achieve Sesquicentennial Farm status by remaining in the same family of lineal descendants 150 years or more. The farm has become an enduring testimonial to Illinois' rich agricultural heritage.

"The Sesquicentennial Farm Program recognizes the pride and determination of the generations who have labored to maintain this farm as an integral part of Illinois agriculture."

Members of the Luebkemann family include Margaret Luebkemann, Tim, Lisa, Lexi, Brie, Emily, and Isaac Luebkemann; Scot, Sarah, Brenden and Alyssa Heller. Ryan and Delana Luebkemann, and Gavin Braun.