Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig is urging eligible farm owners in Iowa to apply for the 2023 Century and Heritage Farm Program. Established by the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship and the Iowa Farm Bureau Federation, this program aims to recognize and honor families who have owned their farms for 100 years or more (Century Farm designation) or 150 years or more (Heritage Farm designation).
Secretary Naig emphasizes the significance of Iowa's multi-generational farm families, acknowledging their hard work, strength, resilience, and perseverance. Each year, these families and their legacies are celebrated at the Iowa State Fair, where their stories are shared.
To apply for the Century or Heritage Farm designation, interested farm owners can download the application from the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship's website at iowaagriculture.gov/century-and-heritage-farm-program Completed applications should be mailed to the Century and Heritage Farm Program at the provided address:
Century and Heritage Farm Program Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship Wallace State Office Building 502 E. Ninth St. Des Moines, IA 50319
Alternatively, applicants can request a written application by contacting Kelley Reece, the coordinator of the Century and Heritage Farm Program, at 515-281-3645 or kelley.reece@iowaagriculture.gov.
The deadline for submitting completed applications is June 1, 2023, by 11:59 p.m. It is crucial to ensure that applications are received by the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship on or before this deadline.
The Century Farm Program, in its 47th year since its establishment in 1976, has recognized over 20,000 farms from across Iowa. This program originated as part of the Nation's Bicentennial Celebration. Additionally, the Heritage Farm Program, now in its 17th year, has honored more than 1,600 farms since 2006. Previous recipients of both designations can be found on the Department's website, along with photos from past recognition ceremonies.
The ceremony honoring the 2023 Century and Heritage Farm families will be held on August 17 at the historic Livestock Pavilion in the Iowa State Fairgrounds, Des Moines. This venue serves as a fitting location for this special event.
Secretary Naig's call for applications highlights the importance of acknowledging and celebrating Iowa's multi-generational farm families. The Century and Heritage Farm Program provides an opportunity for these families to receive recognition for their enduring contributions to Iowa's agricultural heritage.
Photo Credit: Iowa Farm Bureau
Categories: Iowa, Government & Policy