Century and Heritage Farm Program
Century Farm Program
The Century Farms Program recognizes and honors those individuals who have owned the farm land for 100 years or more. The program began in 1976 as part of the Bicentennial Celebration, when over 5,000 certificates and farm markers were distributed across Iowa at local ceremonies.
Eligibility
- Consecutive ownership within the same family for 100 years or more of at least 40 acres of the original holding of Iowa farmland.
- Present owner must be related to a person who owned the land 100 years ago.
- Application must be notarized and postmarked before June 1 of the year applying.
Awards
- One 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 on the day you receive the certificate only.
- One Century Farm Marker suitable for posting on the farm will be furnished by Iowa Farm Bureau Federation. Additional markers may be purchased.
- Certificates and Markers are presented at a ceremony at the Iowa State Fair every year in August. Notice of time and date is mailed in advance.
Heritage Farm Program
Ownership and operation of a farm by members of the same family for one hundred and fifty 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 Heritage Farm Program for farm families that have owned at least 40 acres for 150 years or more.
Eligibility
- Must have at least 40 acres of the original holding of Iowa Farmland
- Consecutive ownership within the same family for 150 years or more by the end of year applying
- Present owner must be related to a person who owned the land 150 years ago
Awards
- One Heritage 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 Heritage Farm 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.
Award Ceremony
The ceremonies recognizing the 2025 Century and Heritage Farm families will be held at the Iowa State Fair on Thursday, August 14 in the Pioneer Livestock Pavilion at the Iowa State Fair.
Pioneer Livestock Pavilion Building Layout
Application Process
The applicant completes the required application. You may print the application and complete it by hand, or you can type in the information online and then print it. 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
The Program Coordinator will review all applications and approve eligible entries.
Applicants will be notified by mail if their entry was approved or declined.
Information about the ceremony will be mailed to the contact person in late June.
The awards ceremony is held annually during the Iowa State Fair.
Further questions about the program can be answered by contacting Kelley Reece at 515-281-3645 or by e-mail: kelley.reece@iowaagriculture.gov