At the State Fair again this year, families from all over the state that have worked the land for years will come to be recognized.

Each year the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship, along with the Iowa Farm Bureau, recognize Century and Heritage Farms.  Families that have owned their farm for 100 years in case of Century Farms and 150 years for Heritage Farms qualify.   

It’s a time we honor the families that have shown the persistence, stewardship, hard work, patience and devotion needed to make a farm work.  Each farm is a separate example of a unique and enduring commitment to Iowa agriculture.

Large, extended families often arrive from across the state, and even nation, to make sure they are part of the celebration.  It’s exciting to see three, four and even five generations come together as part of the celebration.  Signs and matching t-shirts are often made for the festivities.

Last year we recognized 321 Century Farms and 87 Heritage Farms with a certificate and signs to hang at their farms.  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 already.

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.  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.

These programs acknowledge the deep roots Iowans have with their families and the special bond that exists between Iowa families and the land they farm.  I would encourage all eligible farms to apply.

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.iowaagriculture.gov/centuryFarmsProgram.asp and www.iowaagriculture.gov/heritageFarmsProgram.asp. Applications may also be requested from Janet Lee, Coordinator of the Century Farm Program at via phone at 515-281-5323, email, Janet.lee@iowaagriculture.gov 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
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Bill Northey is a fourth-generation farmer from Spirit Lake, Iowa.  He is serving his first term as Secretary of Agriculture.  His priorities as Secretary of Agriculture are expanding opportunities in renewable energy, encouraging conservation and stewardship, and telling the story of Iowa agriculture. 

A photo is available upon request.

 

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