STATEHOUSE (Aug. 18, 2023) – Starke 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. Kendell Culp (R-Rensselaer) and Jim Pressel (R-Rolling Prairie), and State Sen. Mike Bohacek (R-Michiana Shores).
"Agriculture plays a significant role in Indiana, contributing an estimated $35.1 billion to our state's economy," Bohacek said. "Family farms like these are dedicated to their role in this contribution, and I commend these families on their generations of hard work and success."
The Marks Farm, in operation since 1911, received the centennial award, and the Stark Farm, in operation since 1916, received the centennial award.
"The agriculture industry is key to the success of our communities and state, providing jobs to Hoosiers and spurring our economy," Pressel said. "These longstanding farming families, through their dedication, hard work and tenacity, continue to face and overcome challenges. I congratulate these Hoosier homesteaders for withstanding the test of time."
Farms owned and maintained by the same family for 100, 150 and 200 years can qualify for centennial, sesquicentennial or bicentennial Hoosier Homestead awards.
"As a farmer, I understand the challenges and difficulties these families face on a daily basis," Culp said. "I congratulate and honor their perseverance and dedication to Indiana agriculture, and I wish them continued success."
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 Sen. Mike Bohacek (R-Michiana Shores) represents Senate District 8,
which includes Starke County and portions of La Porte, Marshall and St. Joseph counties.
Click here to download a high-resolution photo.
State Rep. Jim Pressel (R-Rolling Prairie) represents District 20,
which includes portions of LaPorte and Starke counties.
Click here to download a high-resolution photo.
State Rep. Kendell Culp (R-Rensselaer) represents House District 16,
which includes portions of Jasper, Pulaski, Starke and White counties.
Click here to download a high-resolution photo
