Rep. Friend congratulates local family farms on longevity of ownership
STATEHOUSE – State Representative Bill Friend (R-Macy) congratulates the Artley and Binkerd-Hopkins family farms from Peru, Ind. and the Mills and Raber family farms from Macy, Ind. for receiving Hoosier Homestead Awards. The awards were presented by Lt. Gov. Sue Ellspermann and Agriculture Director Gina Sheets at the Indiana State Fair today. The Hoosier Homestead Award Program recognizes families with farms that have been owned by the same family for 100 years or more. Fifty-four Centennial awards were given for 100 years of ownership, 15 Sesquicentennial awards recognized 150 years and three Bicentennial awards for operating at least 200 years in the Hoosier state. Three families were recognized with the Centennial award: • The Artley family farm has been owned and operated since 1882. • The Raber family farm has been owned and operated since 1900. • The Mills family farm has been owned and operated since 1907. The Binkerd-Hopkins family has owned and operated their farm since 1849, being recognized with the Sesquicentennial award. The program began in 1976 to acknowledge the contributions these families have made to Indiana agriculture. More than 5,000 farms have been recognized since the program was established. “It was great to be at the State Fair today with these families as they took part in the award ceremony. These awards recognize each family’s commitment to feeding Hoosiers and growing the Hoosier economy. Like any small business, it takes a lot of hard work and determination to operate for over a century. I am grateful for their services and wish them, and all Hoosier farmers, more plentiful harvests in the seasons to come.” Two award ceremonies are held each year – one at the Statehouse in February and one at the State Fair in August. For more information on the Hoosier Homestead Award Program, visit www.in.gov/isda/2337. -30- |
