This Content Is Only For Subscribers
DES MOINES, Iowa — Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig and Iowa Farm Bureau Federation President Brent Johnson honored 514 Iowa farm families with Century or Heritage Farm designations during ceremonies at the 2026 Iowa State Fair. The annual recognition celebrates families who have owned their farms for 100 years or, in the case of Heritage Farms, 150 years.
This year’s ceremonies, held in the historic Livestock Pavilion, recognized 274 Century Farms and a record 240 Heritage Farms. The occasion carried extra weight in 2026, coinciding with America250, the 50th anniversary of the Century Farm Program and the 20th anniversary of the Heritage Farm Program.
“As we celebrate America’s 250th birthday, we are reminded that the story of American agriculture runs straight through the story of our country,” Naig said. He noted that for generations, farm families have helped feed, fuel, defend and sustain the nation, and that values such as hard work, personal responsibility, private property and ownership, perseverance, and the determination to leave something better for the next generation are reflected in each Century and Heritage Farm family. He added that these families represent a legacy of sacrifice, stewardship and progress, and that agriculture will remain central to the nation’s future because of families carrying that tradition forward.
Roots in the Bicentennial
The Century Farm Program carries particular significance this year given its own historical tie to a national milestone. The program was established by the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship and the Iowa Farm Bureau Federation in 1976 as part of the nation’s Bicentennial celebration. Fifty years later, Iowa is once again marking a major American anniversary while honoring the farm families whose dedication has helped shape the state and country.
“Iowa’s Century and Heritage Farms have been foundational in the growth and prosperity of our great state, and it’s an honor to recognize and celebrate their family farm legacies,” Johnson said. He called the recognition a testament to the deep roots and generations of hardworking farm families who continue moving Iowa forward.
A Record Year for Heritage Farms
The Heritage Farm Program was created in 2006 to recognize families who have maintained ownership of their farms for at least 150 years. This year’s record 240 Heritage Farm recipients arrive as the program marks its 20th anniversary. Since the two programs began, more than 21,000 Century Farms and more than 2,400 Heritage Farms have been recognized across Iowa.
America250 was woven throughout this year’s ceremonies as well. Each 2026 Century and Heritage Farm family received a certificate and farm sign featuring the America250 seal and was photographed in front of a special America250 backdrop.
Those interested can visit IowaAgriculture.gov to search the database of Century and Heritage Farm recipients. High-quality photos of the 2026 honorees will be available within one month of the ceremony on the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship’s Flickr page.
About the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship: The Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship advocates for Iowa’s farmers and protects consumers, animals, our food supply and our shared soil and water resources. Its programs strengthen rural communities, support a thriving agriculture economy, and build a stronger future for all Iowans.
