Three Canadian County Farm Owners to Receive Centennial Farm/Ranch Award

Contact: Glen R. Roberson
(405) 521-6387

Oklahoma City, OK
January 23, 2008
For Immediate Release

Oklahoma Centennial Farm Awards have been presented to the owners of Canadian County farms, it was announced by Deputy State Historic Preservation Officer Melvena Heisch.

Kevin Stejskal of Yukon and Yvonne and Don Courtney of El Reno, own farms that have been in their families for at least 100 years said the Oklahoma Historical Society and the Oklahoma Department of Agriculture, which have sponsored the awards for 18 years, including 50 awards in Canadian County.

Kevin Stejaskal owns the Anton Shedeck Farm located south of the junction of I-40 and HWY 92. The family has run cattle and run cattle since Great-Great Grandfather, Anton Shedeck, bought the land in 1900. Yvonne and Don Courtney own Courtney Farm and the Courtney-Smith Farm located southwest of El Reno. The family has run cattle and horses and raised wheat since Grandparents, John R. and Dora Courtney took possession of the lands in 1895.

To qualify for a Farm or Ranch Award, a property must be owned by a family member for at least 100 years and must be operated or occupied by a family member or leased out by a family member over 65. The property must include a minimum of 40 acres and gross annual sales of at least $1,000.

For further information, contact Glen R. Roberson at (405) 521-6387 or via email at groberson@okhistory.org.