DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) – A deadline is approaching for owners who want to recognize their generational farms in Iowa.  Owners have until June 1 to apply for the century and heritage farm program. It recognizes families that have owned their farms for 100 years and 150 years.  Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Bill Northey says the program highlights the state’s deep history and strong agricultural heritage.

There are various ways to request an application, including from the agriculture department’s website. A ceremony to recognize participants will be held at the Iowa State Fair in August.

More than 17,000 farms across Iowa have been recognized as century farms since 1976. More than 580 farms have been recognized as heritage farms since 2006.  Last year, 345 century farms and 69 heritage farms were recognized.