Iowa's Century & Heritage Farms

Seymour Herald - 11 February 2010

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Eligible Farms Encouraged to Apply to be Recognized

As Century or Heritage Farm

  Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Bill Northey today encouraged eligible farms to apply for the 2010 Century and Heritage Farms Program. The program is sponsored by the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship and the Iowa Farm Bureau and recognizes families that have owned their farm for 100 years in the case of Century Farms and 150 years for Heritage Farms.

  "When you think of all the challenges and unexpected obstacles that face farmers each year, it gives you a greater appreciation of the dedication and perseverance of these families that have kept their farm in the same family for 100 or 150 years," Northey said. "These awards are just a chance to recognize their hard work and commitment."

  Farm families seeking to qualify for the Century or Heritage Farms Progarm must submit an application no later than June 1, 2010.

  Applications are available on the Department's website and clicking on the Century Farms or Heritage Farms link under "Hot Topics." 

  Applications may also be requested from Linda Rosky, Coordinator of the Century and Heritage Farms Program via email at LindaRosky@IowaAgriculture.gov, phone at 515-281-3645 or by writing to Century or Heritage Farms Program, Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship, Henry A. Wallace Building, 502 E. 9th St., Des Moines, IA 50319.

  The 2010 Century Farms Program ceremony will likely be held at the Iowa State Fair on Tuesday, August 17th and the Heritage Farms Progarm ceremony will likely be held Thursday, August 19th.

  Last year 297 Century Farms and 66 Heritage Farms were recognized. As a result, more than 16,500 farms have been recognized through the Century Farms Program since it was created in 1976. The Heritage Farms Program was created just three years ago and has recognized 392 farms.

  "Century and Heritage Farm recognitions at the Iowa State Fair are a great celebration of Iowa agriculture and the families that care for the land and produce our food," Northey said. "I hope eligible families will take the time to apply and then come down to the State Fair to be recognized.