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. Gary Byrne (R-Byrneville) and State Reps. Stephen Bartels (R-Eckerty), J. Michael Davisson (R-Salem) and Karen Engleman (R-Georgetown), four locally owned farms were honored at the Statehouse:
"Indiana is the eighth-largest agricultural exporter in the nation, and Indiana's many family owned farms make this possible," Byrne said. "These four farms have made a lasting impact on our community and state, and I am grateful for the opportunity to recognize them for all they have contributed."
"Agriculture played an integral part of Indiana's past and will continue to play a big role in the future," Bartels said. "These long-time farmers have contributed greatly to our state's economy and identity. Indiana wouldn't be what it is today without dedicated Hoosiers like these."
"Our local farmers face many challenges to stay in operation," Davisson said. "I’m thankful for these families keeping their farms going for over 100 years and for their devotion to helping grow Indiana's agriculture industry."
"Hoosier farmers make such an impact on our state," Engleman said. "They create jobs, produce food and contribute to the state's character. I applaud these successful families for upholding this tradition for so many decades."
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. Gary Byrne (R-Byrneville) represents Senate District 47, which includes all or portions of Crawford, Dubois, Harrison, Orange, Perry and Washington counties. Click here for a high resolution photo.
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. J. Michael Davisson (R-Salem) represents House District 73, which includes
Washington County, and portions of Orange, Lawrence, Jackson, Clark and Harrison counties.
Click here to download a high-resolution photo.
State Rep. Karen Engleman (R-Georgetown) represents House District 70,
which includes most of Harrison County, along with portions of Clark and Floyd counties.
Click here to download a high-resolution photo.
