Hoosier Farming Families Honored with Homestead Awards

STATEHOUSE–56 farming families from Indiana were recently honored with Hoosier Homestead Awards at the Statehouse. These awards recognize farms owned and operated by the same family for 100 years or more.

Since 1976, Hoosier Homestead Awards have been given biannually to families who have made significant contributions to agriculture in Indiana. The program has recognized more than 6,000 family farms who have impacted Indiana’s economic, cultural, and social advancement.

“Agriculture is the foundation of Indiana’s economy and the livelihood of thousands of Hoosier farmers. Through hard work and dedication, these families keep the state’s farming tradition alive,” said State Representative Kendell Culp of Rensselear.

The awards spotlight farms that have been operated by the same family for 100, 150, and 200 years with centennial, sesquicentennial, and bicentennial distinctions.

Nominated farms have to consist of more than 20 acres or produce more than $1,000 of agricultural products per year.

State Representative Robb Greene of Shelbyville says he was inspired to author legislation to add the Hoosier Homsetead Program into State Law. It would also prevent farmers from losing their land to eminent domain.

“It is hard to overstate the scope of agriculture in Indiana as it plays such an important role in our state. These homesteaders have deep roots in our local communities, and it is vital we recognize and protect their efforts to bolster our culture and economy. It’s exactly why I’ve authored legislation to codify this program in state law,” said Greene.

State Representative Lorissa Sweet of Wabash says Indiana’s agricultural industry continues to “play a large role in our state and local economies, contributing approximately $35 billion each year.”