(Indianapolis, IN) – Nine local farming families are among 135 around the state who were presented a Hoosier Homestead Award in recognition of their commitment to Indiana agriculture.
“Each of our Hoosier Homestead farms carries the same legacy, built by one generation for the next,” said Don Lamb, director of the Indiana State Department of Agriculture. “My own farm still has a while to go before it’s eligible for this award, so I know firsthand the commitment and dedication it reflects. Congratulations and thank you to each Hoosier Homestead recipient for your dedication to Indiana agriculture.”
Area families who received the recognition are:
County Awardee Homestead Year Award
- Decatur Carl E. Geis 1924 Centennial
- Decatur Menkedick 1924 Centennial
- Decatur Volk 1864 Centennial and Sesquicentennial
- Decatur Williams 1826 Centennial and Sesquicentennial
- Franklin Orschell 1923 Centennial
- Franklin Scheele 1876 Centennial and Sesquicentennial
- Ripley Chandler 1913 Centennial
- Ripley Peetz 1876 Sesquicentennial
- Ripley Welch 1897 Centennial
To be named a Hoosier Homestead, farms must be owned by the same family for more than 100 consecutive years and consist of more than 20 acres.
If less than 20 acres, the farm must produce more than $1,000 of agricultural products per year.
Indiana farms may qualify for three honors: Centennial Award for 100 years of ownership, Sesquicentennial Award for 150 years of ownership and the Bicentennial Award for 200 years of ownership.
Since the program’s inception in 1976, over 6,400 families have received the Hoosier Homestead Award.
A Hoosier Homestead farm is often easily recognized because most recipients display their awarded sign on their property.
