Morgan County farms recognized with Hoosier Homestead awards

STATEHOUSE (Aug. 18, 2022) – Longstanding Morgan County farms recently received Hoosier Homestead awards for being in operation for 100 years or more, according to local lawmakers.

"Family farms like these are great reminders of Indiana's agricultural history and the resiliency of the Hoosier spirit," said State Rep. Peggy Mayfield (R-Martinsville). "It's important to honor these institutions that have endured decades of change to continue contributing to our state."

"Agriculture is so important to Indiana's economy and quality of life," said State Rep. Beau Baird (R-Greencastle). "Family farms have always been foundational to our communities, and this recognition is a testament to their legacy."

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

• The Brown Farm, in operation since 1837, received centennial and sesquicentennial awards;
• The Brown Farm, in operation since 1886, received the centennial award;
• The Harry Goss & Bessie M. Dow Farm, in operation since 1823, received centennial and sesquicentennial awards;
• The Jackson Farm, in operation since 1846, received the sesquicentennial award;
• The Luther & Jessie Pruitt Farm, in operation since 1922, received the centennial award;
• The Pearcy-Burns-Cook Farm, in operation since 1905, received the centennial award;
• The Pearcy-Burns-Cook-Stephany Farm, in operation since 1918, received the centennial award; and
• The Stierwalt Farm, in operation since 1856, received the sesquicentennial award.

"Family farms are an integral part of communities across Indiana, and especially here in our part of the state," said Senate President Pro Tem Rodric Bray (R-Martinsville). "The contributions these families have made and continue to make to our economy, culture and local communities cannot be overstated. Congratulations to our local family farms on these impressive milestones."

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

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. Beau Baird (R-Greencastle) represents House District 44, which includes
all of Putnam County and portions of Clay, Morgan, Owen and Parke counties.
Click here to download a high-resolution photo.

State Rep. Peggy Mayfield (R-Martinsville) represents House District 60,
which includes portions of Morgan and Monroe counties.
Click here for a high-resolution photo.

Senate President Pro Tem Rodric Bray (R-Martinsville) represents Senate District 37, which
includes Morgan County and portions of Johnson, Owen and Putnam counties.
Click here for a high-resolution photo.