DES MOINES (IDALS) – Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Bill Northey on May 3 reminded eligible farm owners that the deadline to apply for the 2013 Century and Heritage Farm Program is June 1.

The program recognizes families that have owned their farm for 100 years in the case of Century Farms and 150 years for Heritage Farms.

“The deadline for families with a Century or Heritage applications is quickly approaching,” Northey said, “and I hope those with an eligible farm will take the time to apply.

“This program is a great way to highlight the deep history and strong heritage of agriculture in our state.”

Applications are available on the Department’s website at www.IowaAgriculture.gov by clicking on the Century Farm or Heritage Farm link under “Hot Topics.”

Applications may also be requested from Becky Lorenz, coordinator of the Century and Heritage Farm Program by calling (515) 281-3645, or by writing to Century or Heritage Farms Program, Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship, Henry A. Wallace Building, 502 E. 9th St., Des Moines, IA 50319.

The program is sponsored by the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship and the Iowa Farm Bureau Federation. The ceremony to recognize the 2013 award recipients will be held at the Iowa State Fair on Aug. 13.

Since the Century Farm program began in 1976, as part of the Nation’s Bicentennial Celebration, 17,486 Iowa farms have received recognition.

Since the Heritage Farm program was started in 2006, on the 30th anniversary of the Century Farm program, 583 farms have been recognized.

Last year 345 Century Farms and 69 Heritage Farms were recognized.