Century and Heritage Farms
What are Century and Heritage Farms?
Every year, IDALS and Iowa Farm Bureau recognize Iowa's long tradition of family farming by recognizing some of our farm operations. Farms that have been held in the same family for over 100 years are celebrated as Century Farms, and farms that have been in the family for over 150 years are celebrated as Heritage Farms.
Each farm is awarded a certificate by the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship (IDALS) and a marker to post on the farm by Iowa Farm Bureau Federation. These awards are given out at the Iowa State Fair in August.
How to apply
You can download the applications for Century and Heritage Farm awards below. Applications must be notarized and postmarked by June 1 of the application year.
Mail Century Farm applications to:
Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship
Attn: Century Farm Program
Wallace State Office Building
502 E. 9th Street
Des Moines, IA 50319
Mail Heritage Farm applications to:
Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship
Attn: Heritage Farm Program
Wallace State Office Building
502 E. 9th Street
Des Moines, IA 50319
Eligibility
At least 40 acres of the original holding must be held within the same family for 100 years or more for Century Farms or 150 years or more for Heritage Farms.
For more information on the Century and Heritage Farm program, visit https://iowaagriculture.gov/century-and-heritage-farm-program or contact Kelley Reece at 515-281-3645 or kelley.reece@iowaagriculture.gov.