STATEHOUSE (April 5, 2022) – Area legislators today announced the latest recipients of the Hoosier Homestead Award, which recognizes farms that have been owned and maintained by the same family for 100 years or more.
The Hoosier Homestead Award Program honors families who have made significant contributions to Indiana agriculture. The program, instituted in 1976, recognizes the impact these family farms have made to the economic, cultural and social advancements of Indiana. Within the past 45 years, more than 5,800 farms have received the honor.
Represented by State Sen. Jim Buck (R-Kokomo) and State Rep. Heath VanNatter (R-Kokomo), two locally owned farms were honored at the Statehouse.
The Couden/Wilson farm and the Douglass farm, both in Clinton County, received Centennial Awards.
“Maintaining a successful farm requires incredible discipline and hard work," Buck said. "Being able to do so for more than 100 years is no easy feat, and these awards provide our state with a way to congratulate and acknowledge the dedication of these families."
"Agriculture is a vital component of Indiana's economy," VanNatter said. "These family farms have stood the test of time and added to our state's growth and success. These awards are a great way to recognize their contribution."
To be named a Hoosier Homestead, farms must be owned by the same family for at least 100 consecutive years and consist of more than 20 acres or produce more than $1,000 of agricultural products per year. The award distinctions are Centennial, Sesquicentennial and Bicentennial – for 100, 150 and 200 years respectively.
Two Hoosier Homestead award ceremonies are held each year – one at the Statehouse in April and one at the State Fair in August. To learn more about the program or to apply for a Hoosier Homestead award, visit www.in.gov/isda/2337.htm.
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High-resolution photos of the award recipients can be found by visiting www.flickr.com/photos/isda_gov/albums
Note: Not all award recipients attended the ceremony at the Statehouse
State Sen. Jim Buck (R-Kokomo) represents Senate District 21, which includes Howard and Tipton counties, as well as portions of Grant, Hamilton and Clinton counties.
A high-resolution photo of Buck is available by clicking here.
State Rep. Heath VanNatter (R-Kokomo) represents House District 38, which includes
portions of Carroll, Cass, Howard and Clinton counties.
Click here to download a high-resolution photo.
