St. Joseph County farms recognized with Hoosier Homestead awards

STATEHOUSE (Aug. 18, 2022) – Longstanding St. Joseph County farms recently received Hoosier Homestead awards for being in operation for 100 years or more, according to local legislators.

"A family farm being passed down from generation to generation for over a century is a remarkable accomplishment," said State Rep. Jake Teshka (R-South Bend). "Agriculture plays such an important role in our heritage and economy, and St. Joseph County would not be what it is today without these hardworking farming families."

Located in St. Joseph County, these farms were presented Hoosier Homestead awards: 

• The Andert Farm, in operation since 1921, received the centennial award;
• The Cordray Farm, in operation since 1872, received the centennial and the sesquicentennial awards;
• The Verhaeghe Farm, in operation since 1922, received the centennial award; and
• The Weidler Farm, in operation since 1922, received the centennial award.

"As the tenth-largest farming state in the nation, it is important that Hoosier farmers maintain their operations," said State Sen. Mike Bohacek (R-Michiana Shores). "I am pleased that our local community has families remaining dedicated to their farms for so many years, and I hope to see them continue to grow in the future."

These farm families were among more than 100 awardees recently recognized at the Indiana State Fair for their commitment to Indiana agriculture.

"The economic value of agriculture is extremely significant in Indiana," said State Sen. Ryan Mishler (R-Bremen). "Family farms help boost and preserve Indiana's economy, and I am proud to represent a farming community that is willing to dedicate their lives to such a hard-working industry."

Farms owned and maintained by the same family for 100 years or more can qualify for centennial, sesquicentennial or bicentennial Hoosier Homestead awards.

Each year, two awards ceremonies are held in the spring and summer commemorating the achievements of farm families across the state. Since its inception in 1976, more than 5,800 farms received the designation of Hoosier Homestead.

For more information on the Hoosier Homestead Award Program, visit in.gov/isda.

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State Rep. Jake Teshka (R-South Bend) represents House District 7,
which includes the majority of St. Joseph County.
Click here to download a high-resolution photo.

State Sen. Mike Bohacek (R-Michiana Shores) represents Senate District 8,
which includes portions of LaPorte, Starke and St. Joseph counties.
Click here to download a high resolution photo.

State Sen. Ryan Mishler (R-Bremen) represents Senate District 9,
which includes portions of Elkhart, Kosciusko, Marshall and St. Joseph counties.
Click here to download a high-resolution photo.