Area legislators are recognizing the latest local recipients of the Hoosier Homestead Award, which recognizes farms owned and maintained by the same family for 100 years or more.
Represented by State Sen. Travis Holdman (R-Markle), State Rep. Matt Lehman (R-Berne) and State Rep. J.D. Prescott (R-Union City), three locally owned farms received Sesquicentennial awards at the Statehouse.
- The Girod farm in Adams County
- The Ted B & Valerie N Markley farm in Wells County
- The Twibell farm in Blackford County
The Hoosier Homestead Award Program honors families who have made significant contributions to Indiana agriculture. Instituted in 1976, the program has recognized more than 6,000 family farms that have impacted Indiana’s economic, cultural and social advancement.
“Hoosier farmers play a critical role in Indiana’s economic success,” Holdman said. “It’s because of their hard work that agriculture contributes nearly $35.1 billion to Indiana’s economy, and I am glad to see family farms in Senate District 19 receive this well-deserved recognition.”
“Our area’s rich agricultural history is made possible by farm families like these who continue to pass down their land and traditions to the next generation,” Lehman said. “Congratulations to our area farms who’ve remained in operation for 150 years – it’s an incredible and inspiring accomplishment.”
“It’s important to recognize longstanding family farms in our community for their hard work and dedication,” Prescott said. “These farms are a reflection of our state’s agricultural heritage and the hard work of families for generations.”
To be named a Hoosier Homestead, farms must be owned by the same family for at least 100 consecutive years and consist of more than 20 acres or produce more than $1,000 of agricultural products per year. The award distinctions are centennial, sesquicentennial and bicentennial – for 100, 150 and 200 years, respectively.
To learn more about the program or to apply for a Hoosier Homestead Award, visit www.in.gov/isda/2337.htm. Photos of the event can be found here.