STATEHOUSE- State Representative Dick Hamm (R-Richmond) congratulates Douglas and Jeanie Eliason and family for receiving the Hoosier Homestead Award. Lt. Governor Sue Ellspermann presented the award during a ceremony in the Farm Bureau Building at the Indiana State Fair.
The Hoosier Homestead Award Program recognizes farming families that have owned and operated the same farm for 100 years or more. Centennial and sesquicentennial awards are given for 100 and 150 years of ownership, respectively. Bicentennial awards are given for 200 years of ownership.
The Eliason Farm of Wayne County has been in operation since 1814. The family received the bicentennial award.
“At a time when Indiana’s agriculture industry is rapidly advancing, the Eliason’s bicentennial achievement reminds us that Indiana’s farming roots lie in family and community,” said Rep. Hamm. “I applaud their innovation and commitment to upholding our state’s rich agricultural heritage.”
“This program was established in 1976 to recognize the heritage of farming in Indiana and how Hoosier family farms have been passed down from generation to generation,” Lt. Governor Ellspermann said. “I salute our Hoosier farmers today for being part of both our state’s legacy – but more importantly, a vital part of our state’s future.”
The program was first established in 1976 to acknowledge the contributions made by long-standing farming families to Indiana’s economy, culture and overall advancement. Since the program’s inception, more than 5,000 farms have been recognized for their dedication to Hoosier agriculture.
Each year, two award ceremonies are held; one at the Statehouse in February and the other at the State Fair in August. For more information on the Hoosier Homestead Award Program or to nominate a family for the award, visit www.in.gov/isda/2337.htm.
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Rep. Hamm represents most of Wayne County.
