STATEHOUSE (Aug. 17, 2023) – Montgomery County farms owned and operated by the same family for at least 100 years were recently honored with Hoosier Homestead awards, according to State Reps. Beau Baird (R-Greencastle) and Jeff Thompson (R-Lizton), and State Sen. Brian Buchanan (R-Lebanon).
"Farming is not an easy job, and to maintain a farm for 100 years or more in the same family is a remarkable achievement," said Baird, vice chair of the House Agriculture and Rural Development Committee. "These families are truly deserving of this recognition."
The Coltrain/McNabb Farm, in operation since 1840, received centennial and sesquicentennial awards, and the McBee Farm, in operation since 1873, received the sesquicentennial award.
"I have great respect for those who dedicate their livelihoods to farming," Thompson said. "I grew up helping on a small family farm, and have worked with both livestock and crops. It's very rewarding work, but it comes with a lot of challenges. I commend these families for their endurance and wish them continued success."
Farms owned and maintained by the same family for 100, 150 and 200 years can qualify for centennial, sesquicentennial or bicentennial Hoosier Homestead awards.
"Family farms contribute a great deal to our state's heritage," Buchanan said. "Since Indiana's earliest days, agriculture has been an important part of who we are as a state, and we are fortunate to have families like these continue to maintain their farms for generations."
These farm families were among 103 awardees recently recognized at the Indiana State Fair for their commitment to agriculture.
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 Rep. Beau Baird (R-Greencastle) represents House District 44,
which includes all of Putnam County and a portion of Montgomery County.
Click here to download a high-resolution photo.
State Sen. Brian Buchanan (R-Lebanon) represents Senate District 7,
which includes portions of Boone, Clinton, Hendricks and Montgomery counties.
Click here to download a high-resolution photo.
State Rep. Jeff Thompson (R-Lizton) represents House District 28,
which includes portions of Boone, Hendricks and Montgomery counties.
Click here to download a high-resolution photo.
