Hoosier Homestead Awards announced

INDIANAPOLIS (Inside INdiana Business) — More than 70 Hoosier farm families have 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 at the Indiana State Fair.

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.
 
“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.”
 
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.

“Each of these Hoosier Homestead farms have 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.”

Since the program’s inception in 1976, nearly 6,000 families have received the award.  

This year’s recipients include: