STATEHOUSE (Aug. 16, 2024) – Indiana recently honored local farms owned and operated by the same family for at least 100 years with Hoosier Homestead awards, according to area legislators.
"Our state's agriculture industry is critical to our economy, and these farmers help contribute to our communities and food supply chains," said State Rep. Ethan Manning (R-Logansport). "It's encouraging to see these Hoosiers maintain and grow their family business for so long.”
The George E. Ferguson Farm, in operation since 1858, received the sesquicentennial award, and the VerBryck Farm, in operation since 1895, received the centennial award.
"Running a farm isn't an easy job and to do so for more than 100 years takes a tremendous amount of hard work,” said State Rep. Heath VanNatter (R-Kokomo). "I’m grateful for these farmers who continue a tradition that makes our state one of the largest agricultural producers in the country."
Farms owned and operated by the same family for 100, 150 and 200 years can qualify for centennial, sesquicentennial or bicentennial Hoosier Homestead awards.
"The George E. Ferguson and VerBryck farms deserve to be recognized for being a part of Indiana's success for over a century," said State Sen. Stacey Donato (R-Logansport). "I congratulate them on this amazing achievement and thank them for all they continue to do for our state."
These farm families were among 104 awardees recently recognized at the Indiana State Fair for their dedication to the state's agriculture industry. Hoosier Homestead ceremonies are conducted every spring and summer. The state has honored more than 6,000 farms since the award was established in 1976.
Visit in.gov/isda for more information on the Hoosier Homestead Award Program and to nominate a farm. Nominations for the March 2025 ceremony are due by Nov. 1.
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State Rep. Ethan Manning (R-Logansport) represents House District 23,
which includes portions of Cass and Miami counties.
Click here to download a high-resolution photo.
State Rep. Heath VanNatter (R-Kokomo) represents House District 38,
which includes all of Carroll and Tipton counties, and
portions of Cass, Clinton, Howard and Tippecanoe counties.
Click here to download a high-resolution photo.
State Sen. Stacey Donato (R-Logansport) represents Senate District 18,
which includes Cass, Fulton and Miami counties, and portions of Howard and Kosciusko counties.
Click here to download a high-resolution photo.
