By Andi Anderson
Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig is urging eligible farm owners to apply for recognition in the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship’s Century and Heritage Farm Program. This initiative, developed in collaboration with the Iowa Farm Bureau Federation, honors families who have owned their farms for 100 and 150 years, respectively.
To be considered for recognition in 2024, completed applications must be postmarked or received by the Department by June 1, 2024. The ceremonies celebrating the 2024 Century and Heritage Farm families will take place on August 15, 2024, at the historic Livestock Pavilion during the Iowa State Fair.
Secretary Naig expresses admiration for Century and Heritage Farm families, stating, “They represent the very best of our state and are remarkable examples of the ingenuity, strength, and resilience of Iowa agriculture.” He eagerly anticipates Century and Heritage Farm Day at the Iowa State Fair, a day filled with pride, stories, and the legacies of these multi-generational farm families.
To apply, download and complete the application available on the Department's website and submit it to the Century and Heritage Farm Program, c/o Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship, Wallace State Office Building, 502 E. 9th Street, Des Moines, IA 50319. For assistance, contact Kelley Reece, coordinator of the program, at 515-281-3645 or kelley.reece@iowaagriculture.gov.
The Century Farm Program, now in its 48th year, began in 1976 as part of the Nation’s Bicentennial Celebration. Over 21,000 farms in the state have received this distinction. The Heritage Farm Program, in its 18th year, has recognized more than 1,800 farms since its inception in 2006.
Photo Credit: gettyimage-jamesbrey
Categories: Iowa, General