Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship to Host Iowa State Fair Ceremonies

Secretary Naig will recognize student artists, conservation leaders and multi-generational farm families as part of Iowa’s America250 celebration

DES MOINES, Iowa (Aug. 17, 2026) - The Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship will host three award ceremonies this week celebrating Iowa agriculture as part of the 2026 Iowa State Fair and Iowa’s America250 commemoration. The ceremonies will recognize Iowa students, conservation leaders and multi-generational farm families while highlighting agriculture’s enduring role in our state and nation’s history, strength and prosperity.

Each of the three ceremonies is open to the media, and the public is invited to attend.

The details are as follows:

Choose Iowa Coloring Calendar Recognition Ceremony
When: Tuesday, Aug. 18 at 10:00 a.m.
Where: Agriculture Building, Iowa State Fair
Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig will recognize 17 K-12 students from around the state whose artwork was selected for the special-edition 2026-2027 Choose Iowa Coloring Calendar. Choose Iowa is the state’s signature brand for Iowa grown, Iowa made and Iowa raised food, beverages and agricultural products. As part of Iowa’s America250 celebration, this year’s contest invited students to combine Iowa agriculture with patriotic themes and symbols reflecting American pride. A full press release listing the featured artists will be sent. Free special-edition Choose Iowa Coloring Calendars will be available for fairgoers at the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship’s booth in the Agriculture Building while supplies last. Photos of the students in attendance with Secretary Naig will be available within one month of the conclusion of the fair on the Department’s Flickr page.

Iowa Farm Environmental Leader Awards Ceremony
When: Wednesday, Aug. 19 at 10:30 a.m.
Where: Oman Family Youth Inn, Iowa State Fair
Iowa Gov. Kim Reynolds, Iowa Lt. Gov. Chris Cournoyer, Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig and Iowa Department of Natural Resources Director Kayla Lyon will recognize 33 Iowa farm families with the Iowa Farm Environmental Leader Award (IFELA). The award recognizes the efforts of Iowa farmers committed to healthy soil and improved water quality while also serving as leaders within their agricultural communities. As part of Iowa’s America250 celebration, honorees will receive a special America250 seal on their certificates and will be recognized in front of an America250 backdrop. A full press release listing the families will be sent. Photos of the families in attendance with the dignitaries will be available within one month of the conclusion of the fair on the Department’s Flickr page.

Iowa Century and Heritage Farm Recognition Ceremony
When: Thursday, Aug. 20 at 9:00 a.m.
Where: Historic Livestock Pavilion, Iowa State Fair
Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig and Iowa Farm Bureau Federation President Brent Johnson will recognize 514 Century Farm and Heritage Farm owners whose families have owned their farms for at least 100 or 150 years, respectively. This year carries special significance as America celebrates its 250th birthday and the Century Farm Program marks its 50th anniversary. The program was established in 1976 as part of the nation’s Bicentennial Celebration, while the Heritage Farm Program was created in 2006. This year’s honorees will receive a special America250 seal on their certificates and metal signs and will be recognized in front of a special America250 backdrop. The Century Farm recognition will begin at 9:00 a.m. and proceed in alphabetical order by county. The Heritage Farm recognition will begin after the Century Farm recognition ceremony concludes and proceed in alphabetical order by county. A press release will be sent. Families receiving Century and Heritage Farm recognition will be added to the searchable database on the Department’s website. Photos of the families in attendance with Secretary Naig and Iowa Farm Bureau Federation President Johnson will be available within one month of the conclusion of the fair on the Department’s Flickr page.

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