Farm families honored at Iowa State Fair

MARENGO — Several Iowa, Benton and Poweshiek County farms were recognized as Century and Heritage Farms Aug. 14 at the Iowa State Fair.

Century Farms

Brent L. Elscott, Lynnville, 1923-2025

Marvel J. LaCasse, Grinnell, 1925-2025

Larry and Joyce Melsa, Grinnell, 1925-2025

David and Lea Montross, Deep River, 1880-2025;

Karen Noe, Garrison, 1925-2025

Heritage Farms

Darlene Baltisberger, Deep River, 1871-2025

Bradley Bergen, Mt. Auburn, 1875-2025

David A. Dermody, Williamsburg, 1874-2025

Dwight and Peg Gildemeister, Williamsburg, 1874-2025

Charlotte Lohf, Belle Plaine, 1875-2025

Manatt Family Farm, Brooklyn, 1848-2025

Manatt Family LLC, Brooklyn, 1848-2025

Manatt’s Enterprises, LTD, Brooklyn, 1848-2025

Paul McClintock, Shellsburg, 1857-2025

Richard Peirce, Williamsburg, 1853-2025

Edward Pundt, Homestead, 1863-2025

Sayers Century Farm, Marengo, 1874-2025

Merlyn M. Schanbacher, Newhall, 1874-2025

Linda Schneider, Grinnell, 1873-2025

Earl Wichmann, Homestead, 1917-2025

The Century Farms Program recognizes and honors individuals who have owned their farmland for 100 years or more. The program began in 1976 as part of the Bicentennial Celebration, when over 5,000 certificates and farm markers were distributed across Iowa at local ceremonies

The Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship in conjunction with the Iowa Farm Bureau Federation established the Heritage Farm Program for farm families that have owned at least 40 acres for 150 years or more.