STATEHOUSE (Aug. 21, 2023) – The Henry Cooper Farm in Decatur County recently received the Hoosier Homestead Centennial Award for being in operation since 1923, according to State Rep. Jennifer Meltzer (R-Shelbyville) and State Sen. Jean Leising (R-Oldenburg).
"These local families are a testament to their resiliency and perseverance," Meltzer said. "For over a century, they have faced and overcome a number of obstacles. We all depend on the fruits of their labor and are thankful for those who dedicate their lives to farming."
Farms owned and maintained by the same family for 100, 150 and 200 years can qualify for centennial, sesquicentennial or bicentennial Hoosier Homestead awards.
This farm family was among 103 awardees recently recognized at the Indiana State Fair for their commitment to agriculture.
"As chair of the Senate Committee on Agriculture and a farm owner myself, I understand how much hard work is required to maintain a farm," Leising said. "It is an accomplishment to manage a family farm for more than a century, and I congratulate and thank the Henry Cooper Farm for their dedication."
Hoosier Homestead award ceremonies are conducted yearly in the spring and summer to commemorate farm families for their legacies and contributions to Indiana's agriculture industry. Since the program started in 1976, the state has honored more than 6,000 farms with this designation.
For more information on the Hoosier Homestead Award Program and to nominate a farm, visit in.gov/isda. Nominations for the March 2024 ceremony are due by Nov. 1.
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State Sen. Jean Leising (R-Oldenburg) represents Senate District 42, which includes
Decatur, Fayette, Ripley and Rush counties, and portions of Franklin, Jennings and Shelby counties.
Click here to download a high-resolution photo.
State Rep. Jennifer Meltzer (R-Shelbyville) represents House District 73,
which includes portions of Bartholomew, Decatur, Jennings and Shelby counties.
Click here to download a high-resolution photo.
