Howard County farms receive 2018 Hoosier Homestead Awards

STATEHOUSE (Aug. 16, 2018) — Family farms from Howard 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 received a Hoosier Homestead Award during a ceremony on Friday, Aug. 10:

• The E. Wesley Smith Farm, located in Greentown, has been in operation since 1848 and received Centennial and Sesquicentennial awards;
• The Eller Farm, located in Kokomo, has been in operation since 1905 and received a Centennial Award;
• The Fisher Farm, located in Russiaville, has been in operation since 1847 and received a Sesquicentennial Award; and
• The Tarkington Farm, located in Kokomo, has been in operation since 1918 and received a Centennial Award.

“Local family farms contribute significantly to our communities and state,” said State Sen. Jim Buck (R-Kokomo). “Their dedication and hard work passed down from generation to generation helps maintain Indiana’s rich agricultural roots.”

“While Indiana is home to nearly 57,000 farms, not many can say they have remained in the same family for over a century,” said State Rep. Mike Karickhoff (R-Kokomo). “Indiana is one of the top states in the nation for agriculture and these farms are indispensable to our economy.”

“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 Sen. Jim Buck (R-Kokomo) represents Senate District 21, which includes Howard and Tipton counties and portions of Grant, Hamilton and Clinton counties.

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

State Rep. Mike Karickhoff (R-Kokomo) represents House District 30, which includes portions of Grant and Howard counties. 

A high-resolution photo of Karickhoff 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.