DES MOINES, Iowa (Feb. 18, 2026) – 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 by the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship and the Iowa Farm Bureau Federation, honors families who have owned their farms for 100 years under the Century Farm designation and 150 years under the Heritage Farm distinction.
This year carries added historical significance. The Century Farm Program is marking its 50th anniversary after first being established in 1976 during the nation’s Bicentennial Celebration. The Heritage Farm Program is celebrating its 20th anniversary, having launched in 2006. Since the programs began, more than 21,000 Century Farms and over 2,000 Heritage Farms across Iowa have been formally recognized, underscoring the deep agricultural roots woven into the state’s history.
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, tying their family legacy to the broader national milestone.
“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,” said Secretary Naig. “From the very beginning, food security has been national security. Farmers were among the first defenders of the Republic, and for generations since, farm families have sustained the Republic by feeding and fueling our growing nation. Century and Heritage Farm families represent that enduring commitment to freedom, hard work, and stewardship of the land. I encourage eligible families to apply and join us at the Iowa State Fair as we celebrate their legacy and America250 together.”
Applications for 2026 recognition must be postmarked or received by the Department no later than June 1, 2026. The official recognition ceremony for the 2026 Century and Heritage Farm families will take place Thursday, Aug. 20, 2026, inside the historic Livestock Pavilion at the Iowa State Fair.
“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,” said Iowa Farm Bureau President Brent Johnson. “This year, as we celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Century and Heritage Farm recognition program, we’re also celebrating America’s 250th birthday. Iowa farm families have been growing America for 250 years and will continue to play an instrumental role in our nation’s prosperity.”
Eligible families can download and complete an application from the Department’s website and return it to:
Century and Heritage Farm Program
Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship
Hoover State Office Building
1305 E. Walnut St.
Des Moines, IA 50319
Applications may also be requested by contacting Kelley Reece, coordinator of the Century and Heritage Farm Program, at 515-281-3645 or kelley.reece@iowaagriculture.gov.
A searchable database of previous Century and Heritage Farm recipients is available on the Department’s website, along with photos from past recognition ceremonies posted to the Department’s Flickr page.
