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

     Members of the Lidtka Farm Family are shown with representatives of the Iowa Department of Agriculture on Thursday, Aug. 17 during the presentation of Century Farm Award at the Iowa State Fair.

​      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.
       Lidtka Farm Inc. (Randy and Janet Lidtka) of Grinnell were recognized with a Century Farm Award this year. The land is located in Chester Township has been in the Lidtka family since March 28, 1922 when 280 acres was purchased. Today the farm consists of 200 acres.
      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.