STATEHOUSE (Aug. 22, 2023) – The Michael D. & Cathy A. Schrader Farm in Whitley County recently received a Hoosier Homestead Sesquicentennial Award for being in operation since 1872, according to State Rep. Chris Judy (R-Fort Wayne) and State Sen. Justin Busch (R-Fort Wayne).
"Maintaining a family farm is no easy task," Judy said. "It takes a tremendous amount of dedication and perseverance, and our state is grateful for this family's strong agricultural heritage."
Farms owned and maintained by the same family for 100, 150 and 200 years can qualify for centennial, sesquicentennial or bicentennial Hoosier Homestead awards.
"Centuries of hard work and dedication is something to be proud of," Busch said. "It is farms like the Schrader Farm that help make Indiana agriculture strong, I wish them many more successful years."
This family was 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.
-30-
State Rep. Chris Judy (R-Fort Wayne) represents House District 83,
which includes portions of Allen and Whitley counties.
Click here to download a high-resolution photo.
State Sen. Justin Busch (R-Fort Wayne) represents Senate District 16,
which includes Whitley County and a portion of Allen County.
Click here to download a high-resolution photo.
