Area legislators have announced the latest recipients of the Hoosier Homestead Award in recognition of farms that have been owned and maintained by the same family for 100 years or more.
The Hoosier Homestead Award Program pays tribute to families that have made noteworthy contributions to Indiana agriculture. The program, instituted in 1976, identifies the impact these family farms have made on the economic, cultural and social advancements of Indiana. In the past 40 years, more than 5,500 farms have received the honor.
Represented by State Sen. John B. Crane (R-Avon) and State Rep. Jeff Thompson (R-Lizton), three Hendricks County farms were honored at the Indiana State Fair:
- The Garner farm received a Sesquicentennial Award;
- The Ross farm received Centennial and Sesquicentennial Awards; and
- The Wyeth farm received a Centennial Award.
“I am happy to see these families honored for their longstanding contributions to Indiana and our communities,” Crane said. “The work and dedication that has gone into operating these family businesses throughout the decades is no small feat, and I hope to see their success continue in future generations.”
“Farming, because of the effort involved and the necessary commodities it produces, is an honorable endeavor,” Thompson said. “These families continue to embody the American spirit of working the land and providing food for Hoosiers.”
To be named a Hoosier Homestead, farms must be owned by the same family for at least 100 consecutive years and consist of more than 20 acres or produce more than $1,000 of agricultural products per year. The award distinctions are Centennial, Sesquicentennial and Bicentennial – for 100, 150 and 200 years respectively.
Two Hoosier Homestead award ceremonies are held each year – one at the Statehouse in March and one at the State Fair in August. To learn more about the program or to apply for a Hoosier Homestead award, visit in.gov/isda/2337.htm.