Hanssen Family Farm of Grinnell honored with Century Farm Award at the Iowa State Fair

     Members of the Hanssen Farm family of Grinnell are shown with representatives of the Iowa Department of Agriculture. ​

   Three Poweshiek County farm families were among 191 families from across the state of Iowa to be honored with a Century Farm Award for ownership of the same farm for 100 or more years. The presentation was held on Aug. 17 at the Iowa State Fair.
   Hanssen Farms (Steve and Cheryl Hanssen) of Grinnell were recognized with a Century Farm Award this year. The land is located in Sheridan Township has been in the Hanssen family since March 1920 when 80 acres was purchased and remains the same to date.
   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 100 years or more. The program began in 1976 as part of the Bicentennial Celebration, when more than 5,000 certificates and farm markers were distributed across Iowa at local ceremonies.