Over 30 farms in the listening area were honored with the Century and Heritage Farm at the 2025 Iowa State Fair, celebrating farming families reaching the 100- and 150-year milestones. The Century Farm program began in 1976 as part of the Nation’s Bicentennial Celebration, in partnership between the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship (IDALS) and the Iowa Farm Bureau Federation, with the Heritage Farm program introduced in 2006. This year, 246 Century Farms and 203 Heritage Farms were recognized during a ceremony at the Iowa State Fair, with 14 Heritage and 19 Century Farms from the seven-county region. Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig says “Century and Heritage Farms families represent the very best of Iowa and our values. Their deep roots, unwavering dedication, and tireless work ethic are a testament to the strength of our rural communities and multi-generation farm families. By honoring these families, we celebrate not only their farming legacies and decades of agricultural success, but also the critical role they play in building our state’s economy and strengthening our nation.” View the list of farm families from the area that received the Heritage and Century Farm awards included below.
Heritage Awards:
Steven S. Allen (Early)
Carey Ballou (Exira)
Jon Hays (Hamlin)
Brad and Marlene Chalfont (Guthrie Center) x4
Dan and Susan Grossman (Carroll)
Brian Heide (Pomeroy)
Rhonda and Morey Hill (Manson)
Marc and Ann Knudsen (Vail)
Nancy Mason Davis (Early)
Owen Family (Guthrie Center)
Dan and Sara Richardson (Early)
Wendell Stoclting (Schaller)
Paul F. And Rita A. Venner (Breda)
Jim and Peggy White (Westside)
Century Awards:
Rochelle Baskerbille Grachala (Jolley)
Dale and Marilyn Behrens (Carroll)
Robert Allen Christensen Family Farm (Exira)
Deann and Russell Buddin (Carroll)
Brad and Marlene Chalfont (Guthrie Center) x2
Eason Daughters, LLC (Scranton)
Daniel J Heiman (Carroll)
Rhonda Hoffman (Carroll)
Gary and Karin Huff (Willey)
Gary Langbein (Sac City)
Francis Lawler Family Farm (Westside)
Lightner Farms, Inc (Lohrville)
Tim Mohr (Early)
Sand Family Farm (Kimballton)
Jason and Cora Schwenneker (Exira)
Thompson Farm (Grand Junction)
Dean W. Ullerich (Audubon)
Charles Ernest Vestal (Farlin)
Jerry and Kristy Weitl Family (Templeton)
