Bartholomew County farms recognized by state with Hoosier Homestead awards

Posted by: Charles Melton  | Monday, August 18, 2025

STATEHOUSE (Aug. 18, 2025) Bartholomew County farms were recently honored by the state with Hoosier Homestead awards, according to local lawmakers.

"It is hard to overstate the importance of farming in Indiana, which provides a great economic benefit while also preserving a big part of Hoosier history," said State Rep. Ryan Lauer (R-Columbus). "These farm families are a treasure for our local communities, and I hope to see them continue for many more years to come."

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

"I am extremely grateful for the hard work and dedication of farming families," said State Sen. Greg Walker (R-Columbus). "These families have supported Indiana and our local community for generations and it is because of them that Indiana continues to thrive in the agriculture industry."

The following farms received Hoosier Homestead awards:

  • The C&M Arnholt Family Farm, in operation since 1901, received the centennial award;
  • The Donald D. Voelz Farm, in operation since 1875, received the sesquicentennial award;
  • The Gary & Nancy Meyer Farm, in operation since 1871, received centennial and sesquicentennial awards; and
  • The Mensendiek Farm, in operation since 1868, received centennial and sesquicentennial awards.

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. Ryan Lauer (R-Columbus) represents House District 59,
which includes a portion of Bartholomew County.
Click here to download a high-resolution photo.

State Sen. Greg Walker (R-Columbus) represents Senate District 41,
which includes portions of Bartholomew and Johnson counties.
Click
here to download a high-resolution photo.