Area farms recognized by state with Hoosier Homestead awards

Posted by: Sam Strattman  | Friday, August 15, 2025

STATEHOUSE (Aug. 15, 2025) Perry and Spencer County farms were recently honored by the state with Hoosier Homestead awards, according to State Rep. Stephen Bartels (R-Eckerty) and State Sen. Daryl Schmitt (R-Jasper).

"The Hoosier Homestead Award reflects the endurance and commitment of families who have worked on the same farmland for over a century," Bartels said. "These farmers embody the values of self-reliance and hard work that this state was built on."

Hoosier Homestead awards honor farms owned and operated by the same family for 100, 150 and 200 years with centennial, sesquicentennial or bicentennial awards.

"As a fifth-generation farmer, I know how much time and effort it takes to keep a family farm up and running," Schmitt said. "These families have worked hard from generation to generation and I congratulate them on earning this great honor."

The following farms received Hoosier Homestead awards:

  • The Epple Farm, in operation since 1907, received the centennial award;
  • The Hanloh | Boerstel | LaGrange Farm, in operation since 1858, received centennial and sesquicentennial awards; and
  • The Hurm Farm, in operation since 1915, received the centennial award.

These farm families were among 95 awardees recently honored during a ceremony at the Indiana State Fair.

Hoosier Homestead ceremonies are conducted every spring and summer. Since establishing the program in 1976, Indiana has recognized more than 6,000 farms for their economic and cultural impact to the state.

More information on the Hoosier Homestead Award Program and nomination forms are available at in.gov/isda. Nominations for the March 2026 ceremony are due by Nov. 1. Questions may be emailed to HoosierHomestead@ISDA.IN.gov.


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State Rep. Stephen Bartels (R-Eckerty) represents House District 74, which includes
all of Crawford, Perry and Spencer counties, and portions of Dubois and Orange counties.
Click here for a high resolution photo.

 

State Sen. Daryl Schmitt (R-Jasper) represents Senate District 48,
which includes Crawford, Dubois, Gibson, Perry, Pike and Spencer counties.
Click here to download a high-resolution photo.