FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Kristen Gorski, Press Secretary
Kristen.Gorski@iga.in.gov
317-232-9539
STATEHOUSE (March 25, 2024) – Area legislators are recognizing the latest local recipient of the Hoosier Homestead Award, which recognizes farms owned and maintained by the same family for 100 years or more.
Represented by State Sen. Greg Walker (R-Columbus) and State Rep. Jennifer Meltzer (R-Shelbyville), the David & Brenda Simmons farm in Bartholomew County received a Centennial and Sesquicentennial Award.
The Hoosier Homestead Award Program honors families who have made significant contributions to Indiana agriculture. Instituted in 1976, the program has recognized more than 6,000 family farms that have impacted Indiana's economic, cultural and social advancement.
"I would like to thank the David & Brenda Simmons family farm for their dedication to Indiana's agriculture," Walker said. "It is because of family farms like theirs that Indiana is a leader in the agriculture industry, and I commend them on their work and commitment to their craft. Indiana would not be the same without our Hoosier farmers."
"Farming is not only a major part of Indiana's economy, but a tradition that's made possible by generations of hard-working Hoosiers," Meltzer said. "The continued dedication of our longstanding Hoosier Farmers like the Simmons has helped strengthen our communities and economy, and I wish them many more years of success."
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.
To learn more about the program or to apply for a Hoosier Homestead Award, visit www.in.gov/isda/2337.htm. Photos of the event can be found here.
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State Sen. Greg Walker (R-Columbus) represents Senate District 41, which includes portions of Bartholomew and Johnson counties.
Click here to download a high-resolution photo.
State Rep. Jennifer Meltzer (R-Shelbyville) represents House District 73,
which includes portions of Bartholomew, Decatur, Jennings and Shelby counties.
Click here to download a high-resolution photo.
