There was plenty of heart and history on display at the 2026 Iowa State Fair this week, as farming families from across the state were honored at the annual Century Farms Awards ceremony — a beloved tradition that recognizes Iowa families who have kept their land in continuous agricultural use for 100 years or more.
The ceremony, covered by The Des Moines Register, shone a spotlight on the deep roots that tie generations of Iowans to the land they call home. For many families, receiving a Century Farm designation is more than a plaque — it’s a testament to decades of hard work, sacrifice, and love for Iowa’s agricultural heritage passed down from grandparents to parents to children and beyond.
The Iowa State Fair itself has been in full swing, drawing crowds from across the state for its signature mix of competitions, entertainment, and community celebration. Day 9 brought another round of fan-favorite events, including the spirited hog calling and husband calling contests, which drew enthusiastic crowds and plenty of laughter from fairgoers of all ages. Country artist Riley Green also took the Grandstand stage, delivering a performance that had fans singing along under the summer sky.
Adding to the fair’s festive atmosphere, the Best New Food contest wrapped up with fairgoers casting their votes for their favorite new culinary creation of the 2026 season — a delicious tradition that keeps food vendors innovating year after year.
With a cooler and less muggy weekend forecast on the way, conditions are shaping up nicely for the final days of the fair. Whether visitors are coming for the blue-ribbon livestock, the Grandstand concerts, the creative competitions, or simply the chance to connect with neighbors and celebrate Iowa’s agricultural identity, the 2026 Iowa State Fair has delivered another memorable chapter in its long and storied history.
The Century Farms Awards ceremony stands as a reminder of what makes Iowa special — communities that honor where they came from while looking forward to the generations still to come.
