Any discussion surrounding the buying and selling of farm ground in Ringgold County should not overlook the number of farms that have been passed down, generation to generation, in one family for over 100 years.
At last count, Ringgold County was home to 106 Century Farms, those that have remained in direct ownership by one family for 100 years or more.
In addition, Ringgold County can boast another nine Heritage Farms, which have remained in direct ownership by one family for 150 or more years.
The owners of record at the time of the Heritage Farm recognition and the year of origin of the farm are as follows:
Alice Gardner – 1854
Rue and Ruth Nickle – 1855
Kyle and Pamella Shaha – 1856
Russell Faubion – 1858
Jeff and Rhonda Quick – 1859
Pat and Melissa McAlexander – 1859
Sandra Taylor – 1865
Robert Swartwood – 1867
Alan and Lois Ibbotson – 1870
The Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship annually presents certificates to families who apply and provide supporting documentation as qualifying for Century or Heritage recognition.
