STATEHOUSE (Aug. 20, 2026) – 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) and State Rep. Shane Lindauer (R-Jasper), three locally owned farms were honored at the Indiana State Fair.
• The Kavanaugh and Eichmiller farm in Daviess County received a Centennial Award
• The Tilly farm in Knox County received a Centennial Award
• The Vance Smith Meier farm in Knox County received a Centennial 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.
"Our farmers are the backbone of Indiana's economy and have been since the beginning," Bassler said. "I want to congratulate these local farm families for receiving this recognition and continuing Indiana's farming legacy."
"It's an honor to recognize these families whose legacy to the land has endured for 100, 150 or even 200 years," Lindauer said. "Their dedication reminds us that Indiana's agricultural success is built on strong family values and an unwavering commitment to the future."
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.
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ATTENTION MEDIA: Photos of the event can be found here.
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. Shane Lindauer (R-Jasper) represents House District 63,
which includes all of Martin County, and portions of Daviess, Dubois and Pike counties.
Click here to download a high-resolution photo.
