Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Bill Northey recognized Century Farm families during a ceremony at the State Fair.  To qualify, a family must have owned their farmstead for 100 years or more.
    Leonard and Doris Fencl from Chickasaw County received a “Century Farm” certificate and yard sign from the Department of Agriculture and Farm Bureau during the event.
    “Each farm is a separate example of the persistence, stewardship, hard work, patience and devotion needed to make a farm work,” Northey said.  “It was a special privilege to honor these farms, which represent the rich legacy of Iowa Agriculture.”
    The Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship has partnered with the Iowa Farm Bureau Federation since 1976 to recognize families that have owned and worked a farm for 100 years or more.
    This year 344 farms were recognized, making more than 16,200 farms from across the state that have received this recognition.
    The 2008 Century Farms Program ceremony was held Aug. 12 at the Iowa State Fair.
    “The program acknowledges the deep roots Iowans have with their families and the special bond that exists between Iowa families and the land they farm,” Northey said.  “The Iowa State Fair is a celebration of Iowa and Iowa Agriculture, so it was very fitting that we were able to recognize the Century Farm recipients there, it’s one of my favorite days of the year.”