Local family farms recognized at the Statehouse 

Posted by: Brenda Holmes  | Tuesday, March 26, 2019

STATEHOUSE (March 26, 2019) – Two Vigo County farms and a Parke County farm were recently recognized at the Statehouse for being in operation for 100 years or more, according to area legislators.

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. The three farms received awards:

  • The Kessel Farm, located in Brazil and in operation since 1901, received a Hoosier Homestead Centennial Award;
  • The Thomas D. Thompson and Vera M. Lear Farm, located in Brazil and in operation since 1886, received a Hoosier Homestead Centennial Award; and
  • The Fred L. Wilson Jr. Farm, located in Terre Haute and in operation since 1817, received a Hoosier Homestead Sesquicentennial Award and Bicentennial Award.

“Owning a business for more than 100 years is challenging, making this a tremendous accomplishment,” said State Sen. Phil Boots (R-Crawfordsville). “Our community has seen countless changes during this time, requiring these families to adapt accordingly. These farms deserve our respect, and I offer my congratulations on a job well done.”

“Agriculture is a cornerstone of Indiana’s economy, and I’d like to thank these local families for their hard work and dedication,” said State Rep. Bruce Borders (R-Jasonville). “The Wilson family is an inspiration to us all for keeping their farm going for more than 200 years.”

“As these families know, farming is a challenging lifestyle that requires great perseverance and resilience,” said State Sen. Jon Ford (R-Terre Haute). “I have great admiration for Hoosier farmers who put in years of hard work to help feed our communities, boost our economy and provide over 100,000 jobs in Indiana.”

Each year, 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. Boots (R-Crawfordsville) represents Senate District 23, which includes
Fountain, Montgomery, Parke, Vermillion and Warren counties and a portion of Boone County.
A high-resolution photo of State Sen. Phil Boots is available by clicking 
here.

 

State Rep. Bruce Borders (R-Jasonville) represents House District 45, which includes

all of Sullivan County and portions of Vigo, Greene, Knox and Daviess counties.

Click here to download a high-resolution photo.

 

State Sen. Jon Ford (R-Terre Haute) represents Senate District 38, which includes all of
Vigo County and northern Clay County.
A high-resolution photo of State Sen. Jon Ford is available by clicking 
here.

CAPTION:  Lt. Gov. Suzanne Crouch (far left) presents a Hoosier Homestead Award to the Kessel Farm Friday, March 15, 2019, at the Indiana Statehouse. The Hoosier Homestead Award Program recognizes farms that have been owned and maintained by the same family for 100 years or more.

 

CAPTION:  Lt. Gov. Suzanne Crouch (far left) presents a Hoosier Homestead Award to the Thomas D. Thompson and Vera M. Lear Farm Friday, March 15, 2019, at the Indiana Statehouse. The Hoosier Homestead Award Program recognizes farms that have been owned and maintained by the same family for 100 years or more.

 

CAPTION:  Lt. Gov. Suzanne Crouch (far left) presents a Hoosier Homestead Award to the Fred L. Wilson Farm Friday, March 15, 2019, at the Indiana Statehouse. The Hoosier Homestead Award Program recognizes farms that have been owned and maintained by the same family for 100 years or more.