INDIANAPOLIS, IN — Six Southeastern Indiana family farms have been recognized for their longevity by the Indiana State Department of Agriculture.
Lt. Gov Suzanne Crouch and ISDA Director Bruce Kettler presented a total of 73 family farms with a Hoosier Homestead Award, recognizing their family’s longstanding commitment to Indiana agriculture this week at the Indiana State Fair.
The following local farms were honored:
Decatur County
- Carroll, 1871, Sesquicentennial
Franklin County
- Brier, 1906, Centennial
- Knecht, 1846, Centennial and Sesquicentennial
- McNally, 1918, Centennial
- Schuck/Knecht, 1879, Centennial
- Schuck/Knecht, 1902, Centennial
To be named a Hoosier Homestead, farms must be owned by the same family for more than 100 consecutive years, and consist of 20 acres or more, or produce more than $1,000 in agricultural products per year.
Families are eligible for three different distinctions of the Hoosier Homestead Award, based on the age of the farm. They can receive the Centennial Award for 100 years, the Sesquicentennial Award for 150 years, or the Bicentennial Award for 200 years of ownership.
“Agriculture has always been and continues to be a vital and thriving industry in our state,” Crouch said. “I always look forward to honoring these Hoosier Homestead Award recipients on their family’s commitment to their farm, community, and heritage.”
Since the program’s inception in 1976, nearly 6000 families have received the award. Often, a Hoosier Homestead farm is easily recognized because most recipients proudly display their awarded sign on their property.
“Each of these Hoosier Homestead farms has such a unique and important story behind them,” Kettler said. “Managing and operating a farm is no simple task, and I commend each of the families that receive this award for their dedication and devotion to agriculture.”
For more information about the Hoosier Homestead Award program, visit www.isda.in.gov.
