STATEHOUSE (Aug. 19, 2025) – The Briggs Farm in Switzerland County, in operation since 1825, and the Connolly-Hartman Farm in Dearborn County, in operation since 1924, were recently honored by the state with Hoosier Homestead awards, according to local lawmakers.
The Briggs Farm received both the sesquicentennial and bicentennial awards, and the Connolly-Hartman Farm received the centennial award.
"Farming is deeply ingrained in our local community, helping to shape Southeast Indiana," said State Rep. Garrett Bascom (R-Lawrenceburg). "These are hard-earned rewards, and these families should be extremely proud of this accomplishment."
Hoosier Homestead awards honor farms owned and operated by the same family for 100, 150 and 200 with centennial, sesquicentennial or bicentennial awards.
"Indiana is the seventh largest agricultural exporter in the U.S.," Maxwell said. "It's thanks to generational farm families like the Briggs’ that we have been able to become such a strong agricultural state."
These farm families were among 95 awardees recently honored during a ceremony at the Indiana State Fair.
Hoosier Homestead ceremonies are conducted every spring and summer. Since establishing the program in 1976, Indiana has recognized more than 6,000 farms for their economic and cultural impact to the state.
More information on the Hoosier Homestead Award Program and nomination forms are available at in.gov/isda. Nominations for the March 2026 ceremony are due by Nov. 1. Questions may be emailed to HoosierHomestead@ISDA.IN.gov.
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State Rep. Garrett Bascom (R-Lawrenceburg) represents House District 68,
which includes all of Dearborn, Ohio and Switzerland counties, and a portion of Jefferson County.
Click here to download a high-resolution photo.
State Sen. Randy Maxwell (R-Guilford) represents Senate District 43,
which includes Dearborn, Jefferson, Ohio, Scott and Switzerland counties,
and portions of Jennings County.
Click here for a high-resolution photo.
