State presents Northeast Indiana 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 area legislators.

"The agricultural industry is booming in Indiana largely in part to the Hoosier farm families who are dedicated to preserving their legacy farms and contributing to our economic success," said State Rep. David Abbott (R-Rome City). "Congratulations to these local farmers on this incredible achievement and I wish you continued success."

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

"Farming is and will continue to be an integral piece of our state's economy," said State Rep. Denny Zent (R-Angola). "These awards are a celebration to congratulate and honor these families' perseverance and dedication to Indiana agriculture."

The following farms received Hoosier Homestead awards:

• The Harvey and Simon Farm, in Kendallville has been in operation since 1862, received centennial and sesquicentennial awards;
• The Koon-Barroquillo Farm, in Wolcottville has been in operation since 1918, received the centennial award;
• The Libey Farm, in Hudson has been in operation since 1920, received the centennial award;
• The Levi Pocock Farm, in Angola has been in operation since 1868, received the sesquicentennial award; and
• The Zimmerman Farm, in Wawaka has been in operation since 1919, received the centennial award.
  
  

"Fostering a strong community of farmers is very important to continuing economic success in our state," said State Sen. Sue Glick (R-LaGrange). "As the ranking member of the Senate Committee on Agriculture, I'm proud to honor these local family farms and their admirable devotion to the farming legacy in Indiana."

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. David Abbott (R-Rome City) represents House District 18, which
includes portions of Elkhart, Kosciusko, Noble and Whitley counties.
Click here to download a high-resolution photo. 

State Rep. Denny Zent (R-Angola) represents House District 51,
which includes all of LaGrange County and a portion of Steuben County.
Click here to download a high-resolution photo. 

State Sen. Sue Glick (R-LaGrange) represents Senate District 13,
which includes LaGrange, Noble and Steuben counties
and a portion of DeKalb County.
Click here to download a high-resolution photo.