SWAN LAKE — The Idaho State Historical Society and the Idaho Department of Agriculture have recognized Swan Lake’s Abbott Ranches as an Idaho Century Ranch for more than 125 years of continuous family ownership.

William Dorris Hendricks acquired the original 160-acre property in 1899, launching a legacy that has passed through four generations and expanded to include diverse crops and cattle operations.

Hendricks owned the ranch until 1911, when his son, Orval Edwin Hendricks, took over. Jim and Erma Hendricks Abbott assumed ownership in 1967, followed by current owners Orval Brent and Vicky Abbott in 1981.

In 1904, Orval Hendricks began managing a portion of his father’s homestead in Swan Lake and later purchased adjoining land called Caldwell Place, which remains part of the ranch today.

The family initially raised Hereford cattle, horses, chickens and pigs while cultivating natural grass hay. Today, the ranch produces alfalfa, grass hay, triticale, oat hay and wheat, and raises Red and Black Angus and Hereford cattle along with horses.

The Idaho Century Ranch recognition honors families who have maintained ownership of a farm or ranch for at least 100 years, celebrating the longevity of family farms and the preservation of Idaho’s agricultural heritage.