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 State Rep. Cory Criswell (R-Middletown) and State Sen. Jean Leising (R-Oldenburg).

“Living in a rural community, I truly appreciate the hard work our farm families demonstrate day in and day out," Criswell said. "The Hoosier Homestead Award honors the contributions of these families to Indiana’s agricultural heritage and our community is fortunate to be home to so many longstanding homesteads. Congratulations to all recipients for their remarkable achievements."

The Gray-Eakin Farm, in operation since 1835, received centennial and sesquicentennial awards, and the Dale and Donna Hartwell and Ricky W. Hartwell Farm, in operation since 1821, received sesquicentennial and bicentennial awards.

"As chair of the Senate Committee on Agriculture, it is good to see local family farms honored for their role in our community," Leising 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."

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

This family farm was 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.