Wednesday, March 1, 2006 For More Information:

Rep. Reichert, 515-281-3221

Reichert Encourages Iowans to Apply for Century Farm Program

Des Moines, Iowa – State Representative Nathan Reichert encouraged Iowa families who own a family farm that has been in their family for at least 100 years to apply for Iowa’s Century Farm Program.

“I hope family farmers in Iowa will apply for the Century Farm designation,” said Reichert. “After 100 years in Iowa, family farms deserve credit for their commitment to Iowa agriculture and their contribution to the state’s economy.”

The Century Farms Program was initiated during the 1976 Bicentennial to honor farm families who have owned their farmstead for 100 years or more. To date, the program has awarded over 15,000 certificates. The program is sponsored by the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship and the Iowa Farm Bureau Federation.

The department issues certificates annually. Farm families that may qualify for the program must submit an application no later than June 1, 2006. The 2005 Century Farms Program award ceremony will be held during the Iowa State Fair.

To qualify, a century farm must have consecutive ownership within the same family, for 100 years or more, of at least 40 acres of the original holding of Iowa farmland. The present owner must also be related to a person who owned the land 100 years ago.

The application is online at www.agriculture.state.ia.us/century.htm or available upon written request to Century Farms Program, Iowa Department of Agriculture & Land Stewardship, Henry A. Wallace Building, 502 E. 9th Street, Des Moines, IA. 50319.

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