Iowa Celebrates 50 Years of Century and Heritage Farm Program

Iowa invites farm families to apply for special recognition as America marks 250th birthday

Published on Feb. 27, 2026

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As Iowa joins the nation in celebrating America's 250th birthday, Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig is encouraging eligible Iowa farm owners to apply for Century or Heritage Farm recognition through the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship's Century and Heritage Farm Program. The program, created in 1976, honors families who have owned their farms for 100 years under the Century Farm designation and 150 years under the Heritage Farm distinction.

Why it matters

The Century Farm Program is marking its 50th anniversary, while the Heritage Farm Program is celebrating its 20th anniversary. This year's recognition ceremony will tie the farm families' legacies to the broader national milestone of America's 250th birthday, underscoring the deep agricultural roots woven into Iowa's and the nation's history.

The details

Families recognized in 2026 will receive a certificate featuring a special America250 seal and will have their photos taken in front of an America250 backdrop. The official recognition ceremony for the 2026 Century and Heritage Farm families will take place at the Iowa State Fair. Eligible families can download and complete an application from the Department's website by June 1, 2026.

  • The Century Farm Program was established in 1976 during the nation's Bicentennial Celebration.
  • The Heritage Farm Program launched in 2006, celebrating its 20th anniversary in 2026.
  • The 2026 Century and Heritage Farm recognition ceremony will take place on August 20, 2026 at the Iowa State Fair.

The players

Mike Naig

Iowa Secretary of Agriculture, encouraging eligible Iowa farm owners to apply for Century or Heritage Farm recognition.

Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship

The department that created the Century and Heritage Farm Program and will be hosting the recognition ceremony.

Iowa Farm Bureau Federation

Co-creator of the Century and Heritage Farm Program, honoring generations of hard-working farm families.

Brent Johnson

President of the Iowa Farm Bureau, celebrating the 50th anniversary of the recognition program.

Kelley Reece

Coordinator of the Century and Heritage Farm Program at the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship.

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What they’re saying

“As our nation marks America's 250th birthday, it's fitting that we recognize the farm families who have helped write Iowa's chapter in the American story.”

— Mike Naig, Iowa Secretary of Agriculture (americanagnetwork.com)

“Iowa's Century and Heritage Farm families have always played an important role driving communities across this great state forward, and Iowa Farm Bureau is honored to help recognize generations of hard-working farm families and the work ethic that defines them.”

— Brent Johnson, President, Iowa Farm Bureau (americanagnetwork.com)

What’s next

The deadline for eligible families to apply for the 2026 Century and Heritage Farm recognition is June 1, 2026.

The takeaway

The Century and Heritage Farm Program's milestone anniversaries, celebrated alongside America's 250th birthday, highlight the enduring legacy of Iowa's farm families and their integral role in the state's and nation's history and prosperity.