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Washington Evening Journal
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Washington, IA 52353
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State recognizes Heritage Farms
DES MOINES — Three Poweshiek County farm families were among 144 from across the State of Iowa to be honored during the Iowa State Fair with Heritage Farm Awards.
The Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship, in conjunction with the Iowa Farm Bureau Federation, established the Heritage Farm Program to recognize families that have owned at least 40 acres for 150 years or more.
Susan D. Pickhardt’s land, in Sheridan Township near Malcom, has been in the Pickhardt family since 1872 when the family purchased 80 acres.
Today, the farm is 68.26 acres.
Downer Farms, L.C., owned by Robert N. Downer, Jane G. Downer, Elise Downer Fisella and Andrew N. Downer of Montezuma, has been in the Downer family since Feb. 26, 1873.
The original Pleasant Township farm was 160 acres. Today it is 40 acres.
The Ammann Smothers Family Farms, owned by Virginia Ammann Smothers, is in Scott Township. It was first purchased April 11, 1872. The farm has grown from the initial 80 acres to 204 acres.
