UPDATED PHOTOS: Three Decorah area farms designated "Heritage Farms"

The Stortz family

The Iowa Department of Agriculture this month recognized just 101 additional farms in Iowa as "Heritage Farms"--farms that have been in existence for 150 years or longer.  Three of those so recognized were from the Decorah area.

A farm at 2959 South Old Mill Road, owned by Gerald and Ruth Stortz, was founded in 1859; a farm at 1966 337th Street, owned by Kenneth and Yvonne Barnes, was founded in 1860; and a farm at 2608 County Road A-18, owned by Steve and Ellen Sexton, was founded in 1865.

Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Bill Northey, during a ceremony at the Iowa State Fair, said "Being able to recognize these farm families is one of my favorite days of the year." Added Northey, "To own a farm for 150 years is a testament to the values of land stewardship, hard work, patience, dedication and perseverance that are found in Iowa's farm families."

Kenneth and Yvonne Barnes receive their award

The Sexton family