State presents Madison County farms with Hoosier Homestead awards

STATEHOUSE (Aug. 19, 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.

“I admire the farming families who have fueled Indiana's agricultural industry over the years," said State Rep. Elizabeth Rowray (R-Yorktown). “This award recognizes the dedication, hard work and generations of commitment these families have invested in maintaining their farms and preserving our state’s heritage. Their efforts are part of what makes Indiana truly special.”

Farms owned and operated by the same family for 100, 150 and 200 years can qualify for centennial, sesquicentennial or bicentennial Hoosier Homestead awards.

"Agriculture continues to play a key role in our state’s history and economic success," said State Rep. Chris Jeter (R-Fishers). "For the same families to run an operation for more than a century is an incredible accomplishment, and I wish them nothing but success in the future."

The following farms received Hoosier Homestead awards:

• The Haines-Wood Farm, in operation since 1854, received centennial and sesquicentennial awards;
• The Sears Farm, in operation since 1924, received a centennial award; and
• The Thomas A. Tooley Farm, in operation since 1913, received the centennial award.

"Family farms such as these are the heart of our state and our agricultural success," said State Sen. Mike Gaskill (R-Pendleton). "Being awarded a Hoosier Homestead offers well-deserved recognition for such long lasting and dedicated work, and I congratulate these farms on this achievement."

The local 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. Chris Jeter (R-Fishers) represents House District 88,
which includes portions of Hamilton, Hancock, Madison and Marion counties.
Click here to download a high-resolution photo.

State Rep. Elizabeth Rowray (R-Yorktown) represents House District 35,
which includes portions of Delaware and Madison counties.
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State Sen. Mike Gaskill (R-Pendleton) represents Senate District 25,
which includes Madison County and portions of Hamilton County.
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