Cass County farms receive Hoosier Homestead Awards

STATEHOUSE (Aug. 16, 2018) — Family farms from Cass County in operation for 100 years or more were recently recognized at the Indiana State Fair, according to local legislators.

These farms throughout the area were presented a Hoosier Homestead Award during a special ceremony on Friday, Aug. 10:

• The Cynthia Lynn (Smith) Beckom and Amanda Lynn Beckom Farm, located in Galveston, has been in operation since 1844 and received a Sesquicentennial Award;
• The Green Farm, located in Twelve Mile, has been in operation since 1918 and received a Centennial Award;
• The McIntosh-McMillen Farm, located in Logansport, has been in operation since 1868 and received a Sesquicentennial Award; and
• The Robert and Mary Apple Kitchel Farm, located in Galveston, has been in operation since 1917 and received a Centennial Award.

“Family farms are businesses and vital to many Hoosiers’ livelihoods,” said State Rep. Bill Friend (R-Macy). “Agriculture is a core pillar of Indiana’s economy and continues to play an important role in the state’s economic success.”

“Keeping a farm running smoothly takes a lot of work, and each of these families should be proud of their successes,” said State Sen. Randy Head (R-Logansport). “I am grateful for each farming family, as they help support our community, state and country.” 

“For these farms to remain within the same family, generation after generation, for a century or more is impressive,” said State Rep. Don Lehe (R-Brookston). “I congratulate these families for their success and thank them for their dedication to agriculture in our community.”

“Family-owned farms benefit their communities and help support local economies,” said State Rep. Heath VanNatter (R-Kokomo). “This award is not only a celebration of their longevity, but also recognizes their contributions to their communities over the years.”

The Hoosier Homestead Award Program recognizes farms that have been owned and maintained by the same family for 100 years or more. Families can qualify for the centennial, sesquicentennial or bicentennial award.

Each year, two awards ceremonies are held in the spring and summer commemorating the achievements of farm families across the state. For more information on the Hoosier Homestead Award Program, visit www.in.gov/isda/2337.htm.

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State Rep. Bill Friend (R-Macy) represents House District 23, which includes portions of Cass, Fulton and Miami counties.

A high-resolution photo of Friend can be downloaded by clicking here.

State Sen. Randy Head (R-Logansport) represents Senate District 18, which includes Cass, Fulton and Miami counties as well as portions of Carroll, Kosciusko and Marshall counties.

A high-resolution photo of Head can be downloaded by clicking here.

State Rep. Don Lehe (R-Brookston) represents portions of Carroll, Cass, Clinton, Tippecanoe and White counties.

A high-resolution photo of Lehe can be downloaded by clicking here.

State Rep. Heath VanNatter (R-Kokomo) represents House District 38, which includes portions of Carroll, Cass, Howard and Clinton counties.

A high-resolution photo of VanNatter can be downloaded by clicking here.