(Indianapolis, IN) – Southeastern Indiana farms owned and operated by the same family for at least 100 years were recently honored with Hoosier Homestead awards at the Indiana State Fair.
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:
- Ahrens Farm (Ripley County), in operation since 1873, received the sesquicentennial award;
- Bergman/Engle Farm (Ripley County), in operation since 1923, received the centennial award;
- Bulmer Farm (Franklin County), in operation since 1916, received the centennial award;
- Graf-Lingg Farm (Dearborn County), in operation since 1847, received centennial and sesquicentennial awards;
- Henry Cooper Farm (Decatur County), in operation since 1923, received the centennial award;
- Lutz Farm (Dearborn County), in operation since 1923, received the centennial award
- McNeelan Farm (Ripley County), in operation since 1863, received centennial and sesquicentennial awards;
- Meier-Bachus Farm (Franklin County), in operation since 1889, received the centennial award;
- Miles Farm (Franklin County), in operation since 1905, received the centennial award;
- Stone Farm (Dearborn County), in operation since 1908, received the centennial award;
- Thompson Farm (Franklin County), in operation since 1854, received centennial and sesquicentennial awards.
These farm families were among 103 awardees recently recognized at the Indiana State Fair for their commitment to agriculture.
“Farming is much more than just an economic factor in Southeast Indiana,” said State Rep. Lindsay Patterson (R-Brookville). “This industry is part of our local communities’ culture, and its importance shows through the generations of Hoosiers carrying on these timeless farming traditions.”
“These local families are a testament to their resiliency and perseverance,” said State Rep. Jennifer Meltzer (R-Shelbyville). “For over a century, they have faced and overcome a number of obstacles. We all depend on the fruits of their labor and are thankful for those who dedicate their lives to farming.”
“To be successful in this industry for generations takes an unbelievable amount of hard work and persistence,” said State Rep. Alex Zimmerman (R-North Vernon). “For these Hoosiers, farming is a way of life and we’re thankful for their commitment.”
“As chair of the Senate Committee on Agriculture and a farm owner myself, I understand how much hard work is required to maintain a farm,” said State Sen. Jean Leising (R-Oldenburg). “It is a large accomplishment to manage a family farm for more than a century, and I congratulate and thank these families for their dedication to Indiana agriculture.”
Hoosier Homestead award ceremonies are conducted yearly in the spring and summer to commemorate farm families for their legacies and contributions to Indiana’s agriculture industry.
Since the program started in 1976, the state has honored more than 6,000 farms with this designation.
“Rural areas, like so many in Southeastern Indiana, are deeply involved in agriculture, and for at least 100 years, these families have kept those ties alive,” said State Rep. Randy Lyness (R-West Harrison). “I appreciate these Hoosier homesteaders for continuing this proud tradition and pushing farming forward.”
“Agriculture contributes an estimated $35.1 billion to Indiana’s economy, which is largely due to the hard work of our long-standing family farms,” said State Sen. Chip Perfect (R-Lawrenceburg). “I commend these families for their perseverance.”
“Owning and operating a family farm for more than a century takes unwavering dedication and plays a key role in helping our communities and state thrive,” said State Sen. Jeff Raatz (R-Richmond). “I wish these families continued success and thank them for their long-term support of Indiana agriculture.”
For more information on the Hoosier Homestead Award Program or to nominate a farm, visit in.gov/isda.
Nominations for the March 2024 ceremony are due November 1.
