A Merritt-area hay production farm is a recipient of the Century Farm Award for 2018.

Gavelin Ranch has been in operation since 1911 when Eric Gavelin and his brother in law bought a plot of land in the lower Nicola area.

The province says it was a working cattle ranch until 2016.

Last year, it transitioned to a hay production farm, and third-generation rancher Lloyd Gavelin continues to run the now 107-year-old family-owned property.

“The ranch continues to give me a challenge,” said Gavelin. “This year, I am working to re-establish the ranch from the river flooding of 2018.”

“I enjoy spending my days planning how to protect the hay fields and how I can make things more efficient for the next year. As long as I am able, I plan to keep ranching.”

The government says the Thompson-Nicola film commission has also scouted the property as a filming location.