Two Tillman County Farm Owners to Receive Centennial Farm/Ranch Awards

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

Oklahoma City, OK
January 23, 2008
For Immediate Release

Two Oklahoma Centennial Farm Awards has been presented to the owner of a Tillman County farms, it was announced by Deputy State Historic Preservation Officer Melvena Heisch.

Johnny H. Thorp of Lawton and Ronald O. Barnett of Hollister own a farms that has been in their families for at least 100 years, said the Oklahoma Historical Society and the Oklahoma Department of Agriculture, which have presented the award for 18 years, including 12 awards in Tillman County.

Johnny H. Thorp owns Countryman Farms located southwest of Indiahoma. The family has run cattle and raised hay, corn, and cotton since Grandfather, Hugh Countryman, settled the land in 1906.

Ronald O. Barnett owns Barnett Brangus Farm located southeast of Hollister. The family has grown corn and cotton and run horses and cattle since Great-grandfather Milton E. Barnett purchased the land in 1907.

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 income of $1,000.

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