It's been a busy time around on top of the Farm News editor's desk. This week we're finishing up our 2009 Heritage/Century Farms publication which will be sent with the June 26 issue. There is a strong line-up of stories, including our featured article of a Humboldt family that has two heritage farms to its credit. The 34 features were penned by Darcy Dougherty Maulsby, Kriss Nelson, Clayton Rye, Renae Vander Schaaf and Lindsey Ory — a talented crew. I'm sure our readers will enjoy their stories, which in a very real sense, are your stories retold.

This same crew will be gearing up soon to do the 2009 Barns of Iowa special section. Initially we thought we might do historic school houses, but decided on at least one more year for barns. We love barns. No two are the same. No two have the same history. If you know of a unique barn to lead our storytellers to, please let me know at (515) 573-2141, ext. 453, or by e-mail at kersh@farm-news.com.

Also on tap for fall delivery is another of Farm News' softbound books, this one on the "Fairs of Iowa." This will be a 96-page compilation of photos and histories of the county and regional fairs within the Farm News' 33-county coverage area. The cover price is $34.50, but those who pre-order can save $6. This new "coffee table book" will feature full color photos and histories of all of the fairs, with some special emphasis on the greatest county fair in the world —the Clay County Fair. And yes, the Iowa State Fair will get its fair share of attention. The photos to be included will be from the 2008 and 2009 fairs. Who knows, you might be in it! Soon, you will be able to pre-order "Fairs of Iowa" on our Web site at farm-news.com.

Have a great week.