Ownership and operation of a farm by members of the same family for 100, and 150 years or more is a significant accomplishment. The Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship in conjunction with the Iowa Farm Bureau Federation established the Century Farm Program for farm families that have owned at least 40 acres for 100 years, and Heritage Farm Program for those owning it 150 years or more.
Eligibility for programs
Must have at least 40 acres of the original holding of Iowa farmland
Consecutive ownership within the same family for 100 or 150 years by the end of year applying
Present owner must be related to a person who owned purchased the land.
Awards
One Heritage or Century Farm Certificate will be awarded for each legal farm owner by the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship. Additional certificates may be purchased the day of the ceremony only.
One marker suitable for posting on the farm will be furnished by Iowa Farm Bureau Federation. Additional markers may be purchased.
Certificates and markers will be presented at a ceremony at the Iowa State Fair in August.
2024 program
The ceremonies recognizing the 2024 Century and Heritage Farm families will be held at the Iowa State Fair on Thursday, August 15, in the Pioneer Livestock Pavilion at the Iowa State Fair.
Applications
Find applications online at iowaagriculture.gov/century-and-heritage-farm-program
Applications may be submitted online or in print. In either case, the application must have an original notarized signature.
Applications must be notarized and postmarked by June 1st of the year applying.
Submit Century Farm applications to: Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship, Attn: Century Farms Program, Wallace State Office Building, 502 E. 9th Street, Des Moines, IA 50319
Submit Heritage Farm applications to: Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship, Attn: Heritage Farms Program, Wallace State Office Building, 502 E. 9th Street, Des Moines, IA 50319
Information about the ceremony will be mailed to the contact person in late June.
Further questions about the program can be answered by contacting Kelley Reece at 515-281-3645 or by e-mail: kelley.reece@iowaagriculture.gov
