[r67] Rep. Frye congratulates local farms for 100+ years of service (8/10/2011)

Rep. Frye congratulates local farms for 100+ years of service

STATEHOUSE - Rep. Randy Frye (R-Greensburg) was at the Indiana State Fair today where Lt. Governor Becky Skillman presented the Hoosier Homestead Awards. Seventy-three families received the award, of which, 10 residents from Decatur, Franklin, Ripley and Rush Counties were recognized.

The Hoosier Homestead Award recognizes families that have owned the same farm in Indiana for 100 years or more.

The recipient of the award from Decatur County is:

• The Miller family farm in Greensburg, owned since 1899

The recipient of the award from Franklin County is:

• Franklin Ziegler from Batesville, family-owned farm since 1836

The recipients of the award from Ripley County are:

• The Bruns family farm in Sunman, owned since 1866
• Richard Hansen from Versailles, family-owned farm since 1857
• The Bokenkamp-Hurelbrink family farm in Versailles, owned since 1898
• The Wehr family farm in Batesville, owned since 1880
• The Wirth family farm in Batesville, owned since 1855
• The Wirth family farm in Batesville, owned since 1881

The recipients of the award from Rush County are:

• Mary Ann Tillison Hornsby from Manilla, family-owned farm since 1843
• Robert Trebley from Glenwood, family-owned farm since 1858

"For generations now, the tradition of farming in Indiana has been sown by these families," said Rep. Frye. "Their hard work and dedication has bettered Indiana's agriculture industry and led to the growth of our state."

The Hoosier Homestead program was instituted in 1976 and distinguishes eligible family farms for the economic, cultural and social advancements of Indiana.

Indiana family farms may qualify for one of three awards:

• Centennial Award - 100 years of ownership
• Sesquicentennial Award - 150 years of ownership
• Bicentennial Award - 200 years of ownership
  Almost 4,500 farms have received the honor in the past 30 years.

"The positive impact these farms have had on our communities in southeastern Indiana, both historically and economically, have attributed to Indiana's growth and prosperity in the Midwest," said Rep. Frye.

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