Hoosier farms receive homestead award

INDIANAPOLIS (Inside INdiana Business) – More than 150 Hoosier farm families received the Hoosier Homestead Award in recognition of their commitment to Indiana agriculture. The awards were presented by Lieutenant Governor Suzanne Crouch and the Indiana State Department of Agriculture Director Bruce Kettler.

To be named a Hoosier Homestead, the ISDA says farms must be kept in the same family for at least 100 consecutive years and consist of more than 20 acres or produce more than $1,000 in agricultural products per year.

“Heritage and endurance are two words that come to mind when reflecting on our great state,” said Crouch. “This award captures the essence of Indiana and the many individuals that help ensure Indiana agriculture perseveres.”

The ISDA says farms are eligible for three different award distinctions; the Centennial Award for 100 years, the Sesquicentennial Award for 150 years or the Bicentennial Award for 200 years of ownership.

This year, three families were recognized with the Bicentennial Award: the Paul E. Henry farm in Fayette County, the Kellams farm in Dubois County and the Ferguson farm in Lawrence County.

“To keep a family farm working and in the same family for over 100 years is a tremendous feat,” Kettler said. “Agriculture has always been at the core of Indiana and of these individuals. Recognizing our longstanding Hoosier farming families is always an honor.”

Due to the pandemic, individual family ceremonies were held at the statehouse, and more families will be recognized on Aug. 7.

Since the program was established in 1976, the ISDA says more than 5,800 families have received the award.

You can see the full list of recipients by clicking here.