Indy Standard

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.

"These farms deserve this recognition for their contributions to our communities and state," said State Rep. Lindsay Patterson (R-Brookville). "Their dedication to farming helps grow our economy and ensures that Indiana remains a key contributor to the agricultural industry."

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 following farms received Hoosier Homestead awards:

- The Kuntz Farm, in operation since 1916, received the centennial award;

- The Miles Homestead Farms LLC, in operation since 1874, received the sesquicentennial award;

- The Thornburg-Caldwell-Slack Farm, in operation since 1824, received sesquicentennial and bicentennial awards; and

- The Wessel Farm, in operation since 1858, received centennial and sesquicentennial awards.

"As chair of the Senate Committee on Agriculture, it is good to see local family farms honored for their role in our community," State Sen. Jean Leising (R-Oldenburg) said. "The Hoosier Homestead Award is a small way to show our appreciation for hard-working farmers committed to maintaining their family's agricultural legacy for future generations."

The local farm families were among 104 awardees recently recognized at the Indiana State Fair for their dedication to the state's agriculture industry.

"Farms like these are the backbone of our agricultural industry," State Sen. Jeff Raatz (R-Richmond) said. "Thanks to them, we are one of the top agricultural states in the nation, and I am glad to be able to recognize them for their hard work through the generations and hope they continue to be successful for many years to come."

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.