State presents Morgan County farms with Hoosier Homestead awards

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 State Rep. Peggy Mayfield (R-Martinsville) and Senate President Pro Tem Rodric Bray (R-Martinsville).

"The legacy of these families, who have cultivated and maintained their farms for over 100 years, is a testament to their unwavering dedication and hard work," Mayfield said. "Their contributions have been instrumental in shaping Indiana's agricultural landscape and ensuring its prosperity. Honoring them with Hoosier Homestead awards is a well-deserved recognition of their enduring commitment."

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

"Morgan County is very blessed to have so many longstanding family farms as part of our community," Bray said. "Each award cycle I am thrilled to see more and more Hoosier Homestead awards earned by local family farm operations. I hope Hoosiers will join me in congratulating our latest award winners and in wishing them continued success in their operations."

The following farms received Hoosier Homestead awards:

• The Haase Farm, in operation since 1905, received the centennial award;
• The Harmon & Nancy Crone Farm, in operation since 1836, received the sesquicentennial award;
• The Hodges Farm, in operation since 1840, received the sesquicentennial award; and
• The Hodges Farm, in operation since 1822, received the bicentennial award.

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. Peggy Mayfield (R-Martinsville) represents House District 60,
which includes portions of Johnson, Morgan and Monroe counties.
Click here to download a high-resolution photo.

Senate President Pro Tem Rodric Bray (R-Martinsville) represents Senate District 37, which
includes Morgan County and portions of Johnson, Owen and Putnam counties.
Click here to download a high-resolution photo.