(Indianapolis, IN) – Five Southeastern Indiana farms owned and operated by the same family for at least 100 years were honored with Hoosier Homestead Awards 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 Southeastern Indiana family farms were presented Hoosier Homestead awards:
- Andrews-Probst Farm (Dearborn County), in operation since 1916, received the Centennial Award;
- Gaynor Farm (Dearborn County), in operation since 1924, received the Centennial Award;
- Elmer & May Brack Farm (Franklin County), in operation since 1919, received the Centennial Award;
- Werner Farm (Franklin County), in operation since 1923, received the Centennial Award;
- Amy & Edward Rodriguez Farm (Ripley County), in operation since 1852, received the Sesquicentennial Award.
These farm families were among 59 recognized for their commitment to agriculture.
“Indiana is the seventh-largest agricultural exporter in the nation, exporting $7.4 billion in 2022,” said State Sen. Jean Leising (R-Oldenburg/SD 42). “This fact alone shows just how much our farmers contribute to our state’s and communities’ development, which is why, as chair of the Senate Committee on Agriculture, I am pleased to see these local farms recognized for their years of hard work and dedication to agriculture.”
“Thanks to the persistence and dedication of these families, Indiana’s agriculture industry has flourished, not only feeding the state but also the world,” said State Rep. Lindsay Patterson (R-Brookville/HD 55). “These Hoosiers have made tremendous sacrifices and overcome countless challenges to remain in operation, and it’s important to recognize their efforts.”
“Not only have these families helped propel our agricultural industry forward, but they’ve also preserved an important part of Indiana’s history,” said State Rep. Alex Zimmerman (R-North Vernon/HD67). “These longstanding family farms are a testament to what you can achieve through hard work, determination and perseverance.”
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.
“These long-standing Hoosier farming families are the backbone of our state’s rich agricultural history,” said Lt. Gov. Suzanne Crouch, Secretary of Agriculture and Rural Development. “They have dedicated their lives to supporting our strong agricultural economy, and it was a pleasure to honor them.”
Since the program’s inception in 1976, over 6,100 families have received the Hoosier Homestead Award. Many past recipients can be identified by the sign displayed in front of the family farm or field.
“The Indiana Statehouse is a historic venue for hosting this historic ceremony,” said Indiana State Department of Agriculture Director Don Lamb. “Honoring over 50 farming families today was an unique look into Indiana’s rich past, especially when celebrating two bicentennial awards. Thinking of how much agriculture, and our whole world, has changed in the last 200 years was an incredible thought and we are so thankful to these farming families for remaining committed to agriculture production.”
The 2024 Summer Hoosier Homestead Award Ceremony will take place on August 14, 2024 at the Indiana State Fairgrounds.
Please visit isda.in.gov for more information about the Hoosier Homestead Award program.
To view photos from the Spring 2024 Hoosier Homestead Award Ceremony at the Indiana Statehouse, click here.
