Silos & Smokestacks National Heritage Area (SSNHA) proudly announces the recipients of the 2026 Golden Silo Awards, honoring outstanding contributions to preserving and sharing America’s agricultural story.
Presented during the Golden Silo Awards Luncheon on Nov. 5 at the Cedar Falls Event Center. These awards celebrate individuals and organizations whose dedication and vision have strengthened the mission of the Heritage Area.
“The Golden Silo Awards recognize the outstanding individuals and organizations whose dedication helps preserve and share the stories of American agriculture,” said SSNHA Managing Director Candy Welch-Streed. “This year’s honorees demonstrate our shared commitment to celebrating the people, places, and traditions that make our heritage area unique.”
- Outstanding Heritage Area Site
Cedar Falls Historical Society
The Golden Silo Award for Outstanding Preservation in Agriculture honors an individual, organization, project, business, agency, or local government that has shown extraordinary effort in preserving the icons of American agriculture. Cedar Falls Historical Society continues to preserve and share the rich history of Cedar Falls, connecting generations through the stories, people, and traditions that have shaped the community. - Outstanding Preservation in Agriculture
Johnson County Historic Poor Farm, Iowa City
The Golden Silo Award for Outstanding Preservation in Agriculture honors an individual, organization, project, business, agency, or local government that has shown extraordinary effort in preserving the icons of American agriculture. Johnson County Historic Poor Farm continues to preserve and share its unique agricultural and social history while connecting the community to the land through education, sustainable agriculture, and historic preservation. - Rose Rohr Outstanding Volunteer
Steve Firman, Cedar Falls
The Golden Silo Award for Outstanding Volunteer recognizes an individual who has given tirelessly to Silos & Smokestacks National Heritage Area. Named in honor of longtime volunteer Rose Rohr, this award celebrates Steve Firman’s dedication, countless hours of service, and unwavering support for heritage area sites and programming. - Outstanding Partner
Jayjay Goodvin, Iowa City
The Golden Silo Award for Outstanding Partner honors an organization, institution, or individual who has shown exceptional support and collaboration with SSNHA. Jayjay Goodvin’s ongoing partnership and commitment to Silos & Smokestacks has made a lasting impact.
The Golden Silo Award for Outstanding Partner honors an organization, institution, or individual who has shown exceptional support and collaboration with SSNHA. Jayjay Goodvin’s ongoing partnership and commitment to Silos & Smokestacks has made a lasting impact.
Silos & Smokestacks National Heritage Area is one of 62 federally designated National Heritage Areas in the nation, telling the story of American agriculture—past, present, and future. Partnering with more than 100 sites across northeast Iowa, SSNHA connects visitors to the people, places, and stories that make up the rich agricultural heritage of the region.
For more information, visit www.silosandsmokestacks.org.
