STATEHOUSE (April 6, 2022) – Area legislators today announced the latest recipients of the Hoosier Homestead Award, which recognizes farms that have been owned and maintained by the same family for 100 years or more.
The Hoosier Homestead Award Program honors families who have made significant contributions to Indiana agriculture. The program, instituted in 1976, recognizes the impact these family farms have made to the economic, cultural and social advancements of Indiana. Within the past 45 years, more than 5,800 farms have received the honor.
Represented by State Sen. Mark Messmer (R-Jasper) and State Reps. Steve Bartels (R-Eckerty), Cindy Ledbetter (R-Newburgh) and Shane Lindauer (R-Jasper), four locally owned farms were honored at the Statehouse.
"Families like these who have committed generations to farming are the reason Indiana is the eighth-largest agricultural exporter in the nation," Messmer said. "I applaud their dedication over the last 100 and 150 years, and thank them for all they have done to shape our community and state."
"Agriculture is an integral part of Indiana's culture and history," Bartels said. "These long-time farmers have contributed greatly to our state's economy and character. Indiana wouldn't be what it is today without dedicated Hoosiers like these."
"Indiana is a leader when it comes to agriculture, and Hoosiers take pride in our farming history," Ledbetter said. "Local farmers offer jobs and feed the world, and I congratulate these honorees for their longevity and dedication."
"Maintaining any type of business for a 100 years is incredibly impressive," Lindauer said. "These committed farmers have preserved through challenges and continue to thrive decade after decade. I'm proud to have these farms in southern Indiana."
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.
Two Hoosier Homestead award ceremonies are held each year – one at the Statehouse in April and one at the State Fair in August. To learn more about the program or to apply for a Hoosier Homestead award, visit www.in.gov/isda/2337.htm.
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High-resolution photos of the award recipients can be found by visiting www.flickr.com/photos/isda_gov/albums
Note: Not all award recipients attended the ceremony at the Statehouse
State Sen. Mark Messmer (R-Jasper) represents Senate District 48, which includes
Pike, Spencer and portions of Dubois, Knox, Gibson, and Warrick counties.
Click here for a high-resolution photo of Messmer.
State Rep. Stephen Bartels (R-Eckerty) represents House District 74,
which includes portions of Spencer, Dubois, Perry, Crawford and Orange counties.
Click here to download a high-resolution photo.
State Rep. Shane Lindauer (R- Jasper) represents House District 63,
which includes portions of Daviess, Dubois, Pike and Martin counties.
Click here to download a high-resolution photo.
State Rep. Cindy Ledbetter (R-Newburgh) represents House District 75,
which includes portions of Pike, Spencer and Warrick counties.
Click here to download a high-resolution photo.
