LaPorte County farms recognized with Hoosier Homestead awards

STATEHOUSE (Aug. 19, 2022) – Longstanding Laporte County farms recently received Hoosier Homestead awards for being in operation for 100 years or more, according to local legislators.

"Maintaining a family farm is no easy task, and these families are beating the odds and have done so for over a century," said State Rep. Jim Pressel (R-Rolling Prairie). "This is an incredible accomplishment, and I wish them continued success for years to come."

Located in LaPorte County, these farms were presented Hoosier Homestead awards:

• The Lachner Farm, in operation since 1922, received the centennial award;
• The Maerz-Kloss Farm, in operation since 1884, received the centennial award;
• The Mark Farm, in operation since 1881, received the centennial award; and
• The Sullivan Farm, in operation since 1868, received the sesquicentennial award.

"As the tenth-largest farming state in the nation, it is important that Hoosier farmers maintain their operations," said State Sen. Mike Bohacek (R-Michiana Shores). "I am pleased that our local community has families remaining dedicated to their farms for so many years, and I hope to see them continue to grow in the future."

These farming families were among more than 100 awardees recently recognized at the Indiana State Fair for their commitment to Indiana agriculture.

"Owning and operating a farm for over 100 years is no small feat," said State Sen. Ed Charbonneau (R-Valparaiso). "The amount of time and effort that goes into maintaining a farm is incredible, and I am grateful to have families like these in our community."

Farms owned and maintained by the same family for 100 years or more can qualify for centennial, sesquicentennial or bicentennial Hoosier Homestead awards.

Each year, two awards ceremonies are held in the spring and summer commemorating the achievements of farm families across the state. Since its inception in 1976, more than 5,800 farms received the designation of Hoosier Homestead. 

For more information on the Hoosier Homestead Award Program, visit in.gov/isda.

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State Rep. Jim Pressel (R-Rolling Prairie) represents House District 20,
which includes portions of LaPorte and Starke counties.
Click here to download a high-resolution photo.

State Sen. Mike Bohacek (R-Michiana Shores) represents Senate District 8,
which includes portions of LaPorte, Starke and St. Joseph counties.
Click here to download a high resolution photo.

State Sen. Ed Charbonneau (R-Valparaiso) represents Senate District 5,
which includes all of Pulaski County and portions of Jasper, LaPorte, Porter and Starke counties.
Click here to download a high-resolution photo.