STATEHOUSE (April 7, 2022) – Area legislators today announced the latest recipients of the Hoosier Homestead Award, which recognizes farms that have been owned and maintained by the same family for 100 years or more.
The Hoosier Homestead Award Program honors families who have made significant contributions to Indiana agriculture. The program, instituted in 1976, recognizes the impact these family farms have made to the economic, cultural and social advancements of Indiana. Within the past 45 years, more than 5,800 farms have received the honor.
Represented by State Sen. Dennis Kruse (R-Auburn) and State Rep. Ben Smaltz (R-Auburn), two locally owned farms were honored at the Statehouse.
Both located in DeKalb County, the Lautzenhiser farm received Centennial and Sesquicentennial awards, and the Myers farm received a Centennial Award.
"These two families have reached a significant milestone, not only for their longevity in the agriculture industry, but also for producing quality product that has allowed them to withstand the test of time," Kruse said. "Farming is hard work, and I applaud them for continuing the tradition."
"Indiana's rich farming history lives on because of families like these," Smaltz said. "Our agricultural diversity and production is envied by other states across the nation, thanks to their dedication. Remaining in operation for so long is a huge accomplishment, and I congratulate these farms for their longevity."
To be named a Hoosier Homestead, farms must be owned by the same family for at least 100 consecutive years and consist of more than 20 acres or produce more than $1,000 of agricultural products per year. The award distinctions are Centennial, Sesquicentennial and Bicentennial – for 100, 150 and 200 years respectively.
Two Hoosier Homestead award ceremonies are held each year – one at the Statehouse in April and one at the State Fair in August. To learn more about the program or to apply for a Hoosier Homestead award, visit www.in.gov/isda/2337.htm.
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High-resolution photos of the award recipients can be found by visiting www.flickr.com/photos/isda_gov/albums
Note: Not all award recipients attended the ceremony at the Statehouse
State Sen. Dennis Kruse (R-Auburn) represents Senate District 14,
which includes portions of Allen and DeKalb counties.
Click here for a high-resolution photo of Kruse.
State Rep. Ben Smaltz (R-Auburn) represents House District 52, which
includes all of DeKalb County, and portions of Steuben and Allen counties.
Click here to download a high-resolution photo.
