(Indianapolis, IN) – Six local family farms were among 56 across the state to be recognized with the Hoosier Homestead Award at the Statehouse on Friday.
Farms owned and maintained by the same family for 100, 150, and 200 years can qualify for the centennial, sesquicentennial, or bicentennial Hoosier Homestead awards.
The following local family farms were presented Hoosier Homestead awards:
- Hamilton-Batterton Farm (Decatur County), in operation since 1821, received the Bicentennial Award.
- McCoy Farm (Decatur County), in operation since 1824, received the Sesquicentennial and Bicentennial awards.
- Miller-Hahn Farm (Decatur County), in operation since 1874, received the Sesquicentennial Award.
- Miller Farm (Decatur County), in operation since 1874, received the Sesquicentennial Award.
- Schwering Farm (Decatur County), in operation since 1918, received the Centennial Award.
- Kirschner Farm (Franklin County), in operation since 1874, received the Centennial and Sesquicentennial awards.
“As chair of the Senate Committee on Agriculture, I know how important farming is to Indiana,” said State Sen. Jean Leising (R-Oldenburg). “These farms strengthen Indiana’s multimillion dollar agriculture industry and I am grateful they are getting the recognition they deserve.”
“These farmers work extremely hard, boosting both our local and state economies,” said State Rep. Alex Zimmerman (R-North Vernon). “Agriculture has always been a cornerstone of our state, and these Hoosiers have helped to build Indiana into what it is today.”
“Recognizing these farms is a way to honor the generations of farmers who’ve worked tirelessly to keep agriculture strong in our state,” said State Rep. Lindsay Patterson (R-Brookville). “These families have made a lasting impact on our community, and by celebrating their achievements, we can help ensure the legacy of Indiana farming continues for many more years.”
“Our agriculture industry is extremely well known, and these farmers have helped maintain its exceptional reputation,” said State Rep. Jennifer Meltzer (R-Shelbyville). “These families have shown grit, determination and perseverance, and these awards are much deserved.”
Since it was started in 1976, the Hoosier Homestead program has recognized more than 6,000 family farms that have impacted Indiana’s economic, cultural and social advancement.
A Hoosier Homestead farm is often easily recognized because most recipients proudly display their awarded sign on their property.
