FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Lance Gideon, Press Secretary
Lance.Gideon@iga.in.gov
317-234-9221
STATEHOUSE (March 25, 2024) – Area legislators are recognizing the latest local recipients of the Hoosier Homestead Award, which recognizes farms owned and maintained by the same family for 100 years or more.
Represented by State Sen. Eric Bassler (R-Washington), State Rep. Bruce Borders (R-Jasonville), State Rep. Bob Heaton (R-Terre Haute), State Rep. Matt Hostettler (R-Patoka) and State Rep. Shane Lindauer (R-Jasper), five locally owned farms were honored at the Statehouse.
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.
"Since our state's founding more than 200 years ago, Indiana's agriculture industry has continued to grow strong because of family farms like these," Bassler said. "Agriculture contributes about $35.1 billion to our state's economy thanks in large part to the work by family farms across Indiana."
"Farming is ingrained in our state's history, and continues to fuel Indiana's economy and communities," Borders said. "It's reassuring to see so many family farms still operating after all these years."
"Having grown up on a family farm, I understand how much hard work goes into sustaining one," Heaton said. "This honor is a testament to the Hoosier families who've endured countless changes and challenges over many years to keep their farms thriving."
"These family farms have made a great impact on our community and state for over a century, and I'm glad to see them recognized for their hard work and dedication to their craft," Hostettler said. "They provide an invaluable service to Indiana and I commend them for their longevity."
"It's thanks to family farms like these that Indiana has become such an agricultural powerhouse," Lindauer said. "They're part of Indiana's rich farming heritage and we're fortunate to have them in our community."
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. Eric Bassler (R-Washington) represents Senate District 39,
which includes Daviess, Greene, Knox, and Martin counties and portions of Owen and Sullivan counties.
Click here to download a high-resolution photo
State Rep. Bruce Borders (R-Jasonville) represents House District 45,
which includes all of Greene and Sullivan counties, and portions of Daviess, Knox and Vigo counties.
Click here to download a high-resolution photo.
State Rep. Bob Heaton (R-Terre Haute) represents House District 46,
which includes all of Owen County, and portions of Clay, Monroe and Vigo counties.
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State Rep. Matt Hostettler (R-Patoka) represents House District 64,
which includes portions of Gibson, Knox and Vanderburgh counties.
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State Rep. Shane Lindauer (R-Jasper) represents House District 63,
which includes all of Martin County, and portions of Daviess, Dubois and Pike counties.
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