"Agriculture has historically been the backbone of Indiana's economy," said Rep. Friend. "It is continuing to play a vital role in our future, and I applaud the Van Vactor family for keeping this tradition alive. It is a tremendous accomplishment for a family to hold on to a farm for more than 100 years. " The Van Vactor farm was established in 1893. The Van Vactor family is among 22 other families who were presented with Hoosier Homestead Awards. They will also join almost 4,500 Hoosier Homestead farms. The award is presented to farms owned by the same family for more than 100 consecutive years and consisting of more than 20 acres or produce more than $1,000 of agricultural products per year. The award is given in three categories: the centennial, awarded for farms remaining in one family for 100 years; the sesquicentennial, awarded for 150 years; and the bicentennial, for 200 years or more under the same family name. Rep. Friend encourages constituents to contact him with questions or concerns through e-mail at h23@in.gov, by calling the Statehouse toll-free at 1-800-382-9841 or by writing him at the Statehouse, 200 W. Washington St., Indianapolis, IN 46204. |
