Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig and Iowa Farm Bureau Federation President Brent Johnson today 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 and 150 years, respectively.
This year, 274 Century Farms and a record 240 Heritage Farms were recognized in the historic Livestock Pavilion. The 2026 ceremonies carry added significance as Iowa celebrates 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,” said Secretary Naig. “For generations, farm families have helped feed, fuel, defend and sustain this nation. The values that built America, including hard work and personal responsibility, private property and ownership, perseverance and the determination to leave something better for the next generation, are reflected in each of these Century and Heritage Farm families. There is an intense sense of pride that comes with keeping a farm in the family for 100 or 150 years, and these families represent an incredible legacy of sacrifice, stewardship and progress. As we look ahead to America’s next 250 years, agriculture will remain fundamental to our nation’s success because of families like these who continue to carry that proud tradition forward.”
The Century Farm Program has a special connection to America’s milestone celebrations. The program was established by the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship and Iowa Farm Bureau Federation in 1976 as part of the Nation’s Bicentennial Celebration. Fifty years later, Iowa is once again celebrating a major American milestone while recognizing the farm families whose dedication and perseverance have helped shape the state and nation.
“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,” said Brent Johnson, Iowa Farm Bureau President. “Celebrating this special achievement is a testament to the deep roots and generations of hardworking farm families who continue to move Iowa forward.”
The Heritage Farm Program was established in 2006 to recognize the extraordinary achievement of families who have maintained ownership of their farms for at least 150 years. This year’s record 240 Heritage Farm recipients comes as the program celebrates its 20th anniversary. Since the programs began, more than 21,000 Century Farms and more than 2,400 Heritage Farms have been recognized across Iowa.
America250 was also incorporated throughout this year’s recognition ceremonies. 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.
