Lt. Gov. Suzanne Crouch and Indiana State Department of Agriculture Director Don Lamb recently presented the Hoosier Homestead Award to 59 farming families. This award recognizes farms that have been owned by the same family for over 100 years, highlighting their dedication to Indiana agriculture.
In a news release, Crouch praised these families, calling them the backbone of the state’s agricultural history. She commended their lifelong commitment to supporting Indiana’s agricultural economy.
To qualify for the award, a farm must be owned by the same family for more than a century and span more than 20 acres. If the farm is less than 20 acres, it must generate over ,000 of agricultural products annually.
The Hoosier Homestead Award is divided into three categories based on the length of ownership: Centennial (100 years), Sesquicentennial (150 years), and Bicentennial (200 years).
Director Lamb expressed gratitude for the opportunity to honor these farming families, especially as they celebrated two bicentennial awards. Reflecting on how much agriculture in Indiana has evolved over the last two centuries, Lamb praised the families for their unwavering commitment to agricultural production.
The list of Hoosier Homestead Award recipients includes families from various counties across Indiana, with some farms dating back to the early 1800s. This recognition serves as a testament to the enduring legacy of these families and their contributions to the state’s agricultural heritage.
