Et cetera : Area families receive Century Farm, Heritage Farm designations

Benton County has four more Century Farms and two more Heritage Farms for 2012. The Iowa Farm Bureau Federation partnered with the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land and Stewardship in 1976 to start recognizing families who have owned and worked the farm for 100 years or more. This year brings the Century Farms total in Benton County to 295 families. The Heritage Farm awards, family farms of 150 years or more began in 2006. Benton County now has a total of ten Heritage Farm families.

Benton County families receiving a Century Farm Award for 2012 are: Jim and Janet Boddicker and Jeff and Amy Boddicker of rural Newhall; M. Jeanne Stein of rural Keystone; Sandra Mehus Van Amburg of rural Atkins and Jean A, Herger and George M Herger Trust of rural Vinton.

Benton County families receiving a Heritage Farm Award for 2012 are; Jayne E. Roth and Mary Joann Fiester of rural Blairstown and Richard R. and Mary L. Schlotterback and Linda J. Brecht of rural Atkins.

These families were recognized on August 14th at the Iowa State Fair. They each received a Certificate and Farm Marker. Presenting the awards were Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Bill Northey, Iowa Farm Bureau Federation President Craig Hill and Iowa Farm Bureau Federation Vice President Joe Heinrich. Ownership and operation of a farm by members of the same family for over 100 years and over 150 years is a significant accomplishment.

For more information on the Century and Heritage Farm Programs, the eligibility requirements and an application please go to the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship website at www.iowaagriculture.gov and click on the Programs tab. The deadline to submit applications is always June 1st of the year applying.

Congratulations to all the Century and Heritage Farm families in Benton County. From generation to generation, they have left a legacy, working the land and passing along the value of dedication, hard work and many other vital life lessons.