STATEHOUSE (Aug. 21, 2023) – Southeast Indiana farms owned and operated by the same family for at least 100 years were recently honored with Hoosier Homestead awards, according to area legislators.
"These local families are a testament to their resiliency and perseverance," said State Rep. Jennifer Meltzer (R-Shelbyville). "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.
"Rural areas, like so many in Southeast Indiana, are deeply involved in agriculture, and for at least 100 years, these families have kept those ties alive," said State Rep. Randy Lyness (R-West Harrison). "I appreciate these Hoosier homesteaders for continuing this proud tradition and pushing farming forward."
Located in Southeast Indiana, these farms were presented Hoosier Homestead awards:
These farm families were among 103 awardees recently recognized at the Indiana State Fair for their commitment to agriculture.
"Farming is much more than just an economic factor in Southeast Indiana," said State Rep. Lindsay Patterson (R-Brookville). "This industry is part of our local communities' culture, and its importance shows through the generations of Hoosiers carrying on these timeless farming traditions."
"To be successful in this industry for generations takes an unbelievable amount of hard work and persistence," said State Rep. Alex Zimmerman (R-North Vernon). "For these Hoosiers, farming is a way of life and we're thankful for their commitment."
"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," said State Sen. Jean Leising (R-Oldenburg). "It is a large accomplishment to manage a family farm for more than a century, and I congratulate and thank these families for their dedication to Indiana 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.
"Agriculture contributes an estimated $35.1 billion to Indiana's economy, which is largely due to the hard work of our long-standing family farms," said State Sen. Chip Perfect (R-Lawrenceburg). "I commend these families for their perseverance."
"Owning and operating a family farm for more than a century takes unwavering dedication and plays a key role in helping our communities and state thrive," said State Sen. Jeff Raatz (R-Richmond). "I wish these families continued success and thank them for their long-term support of Indiana agriculture."
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.
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State Rep. Randy Lyness (R-West Harrison) represents House District 68,
which includes all of Dearborn, Ohio and Switzerland counties, and a portion of Jefferson County.
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State Rep. Jennifer Meltzer (R-Shelbyville) represents House District 73,
which includes portions of Bartholomew, Decatur, Jennings and Shelby counties.
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State Rep. Lindsay Patterson (R-Brookville) represents House District 55, which includes
all of Fayette, Franklin and Union counties, and portions of Decatur, Ripley and Rush counties.
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State Sen. Chip Perfect (R-Lawrenceburg) represents Senate District 43, which includes
Dearborn, Jefferson, Ohio, Scott and Switzerland counties, and portions of Jennings County.
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State Sen. Jeff Raatz (R-Richmond) represents Senate District 27, which includes
Henry, Union and Wayne counties, and portions of Franklin County.
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State Rep. Alex Zimmerman (R-North Vernon) represents House District 67,
which includes portions of Decatur, Jefferson, Jennings and Ripley counties.
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