DES MOINES –Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Bill Northey today encouraged eligible farms to apply for the 2008 Century and Heritage Farm Program.  This Program is sponsored by the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship and the Iowa Farm Bureau, recognizes families that have owned their farm for 100 years in case of Century Farms and 150 years for Heritage Farms. 

“It is a special privilege to honor these farms, which represent the rich legacy of Iowa Agriculture,” Northey stated.  “Each farm is a separate example of the persistence, stewardship, hard work, patience and devotion needed to make a farm work.” 

Last year 321 Century Farms and 87 Heritage Farms were recognized.  As a result, more than 15,900 farms have been recognized through the Century Farm program since it was created in 1976.  The Heritage Farm program was created just three years ago and has recognized 259 farms to date. 

The 2008 Century Farms Program ceremony will be held at the Iowa State Fair on Tuesday, August 12th and the Heritage Farms Program ceremony will be held Thursday, August 14th.  

Farm families seeking to qualify for the Century or Heritage Farms Program must submit an application no later than June 1, 2008.  The application may be obtained online at: www.agriculture.state.ia.us/century.htm and www.agriculture.state.ia.us/heritageFarms.htm. Applications may also be requested from Janet Lee, Coordinator of the Century Farm Program at via phone at 515-281-5323, email, Janet.Lee@idals.state.ia.us or write to: Janet Lee, Heritage or Century Farms Program, The Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship, Henry A. Wallace Building, 502 E. 9th St., Des Moines, IA 50319 

“The Iowa State Fair is a celebration of Iowa and Iowa Agriculture, so it was very fitting that we are able to recognize the Century and Heritage Farm recipients there,” Northey said.  “The program acknowledges the deep roots Iowans have with their families and the special bond that exists between Iowa families and the land they farm.” 

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