Century and Heritage Farm applications are available

   Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig encourages eligible Iowa farm owners to apply for the 2023 Century and Heritage Farm Program, now through June 1.

   The program was created by the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship and the Iowa Farm Bureau Federation to recognize families who have owned their farms for 100 years and 150 years, respectively.

   “Iowa’s multi-generational farm families are the backbone of our state, and the Century and Heritage Farm Program recognizes their hard work, strength, resilience and perserverance,” Naig said. “Each year I look forward to recognizing these families, hearing their stories, and celebrating their legacies at the Iowa State Fair.”

   To apply, download the application on the department’s website at iowaagriculture.gov/century-and-heritage-farm-program. The application can be returned to Century and Heritage Farm Program, Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship, Wallace State Office Building, 502 E. Ninth St., Des Moines, Iowa 50319.

   Applications are also available by contacting Kelley Reece at 515-281-3645 or Kelley.reece@iowaagriculture.gov.

   This is the 47^th anniversary of the Century Farm Program, and the 17^th anniversary of the Heritage Farm Program. To date, more than 20,000 Century Farms and more than 1,600 Heritage Farms have been recognized.

   This year’s recognition ceremonies will be held at the Iowa State Fair on Aug. 17 in the Livestock Pavilion.