Decatur County Ripley County Rush County Rep. Frye congratulates local farms for over 100 years of service
STATEHOUSE – Forty-three family farms were recognized for over 100 years of service at the Statehouse today. Lt. Governor Becky Skillman presented the Hoosier Homestead Awards to each family during a ceremony which was attended by Rep. Randy Frye (R-Greensburg). The Hoosier Homestead Award Program recognizes farms that have been owned by the same family for more than 100 consecutive years and consist of twenty acres or more or produces at least $1,000 worth of agricultural products per year. The award was created to recognize the contribution these family farms have made to the economic, cultural and social advancements of Indiana. Four families from Decatur and Ripley counties were recognized for their continued service to bettering Indiana’s agriculture industry. Recipients of the sesquicentennial award from Decatur County are: • The Berkemeier family farm, owned since 1855 • The Hart family farm, owned since 1861 Recipients of the centennial award from Ripley County are: • The Davis family farm, owned since 1903 • The Scholle family farm, owned since 19011 "The tradition of farming in Indiana has been sown by these families for generations," said Rep. Frye. "Our state has grown because of their dedication to better Indiana's agriculture industry." 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 More than 5,000 farms have received the honor in the past 30 years. "Indiana’s growth and prosperity in the Midwest is attributed to the positive impact these farms have had on our communities in southeastern Indiana, both historically and economically," said Rep. Frye. For more information on the Hoosier Homestead Award Program, visit http://www.in.gov/isda/2337.htm. -30-
Note: In the attached pictured is Rep. Randy Frye (R-Greensburg), Joseph Kelsey, Lt. Gov. Becky Skillman and the Berkemeier family posing with their Sesquicentennial Hoosier Homestead Award. |
