FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
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. Spencer Deery (R-West Lafayette) and State Reps. Beau Baird (R-Greencastle), Matt Commons (R-Williamsport) and Tim Yocum (R-Clinton), 12 locally owned farms were honored at the Indiana State Fair.
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.
"Indiana's agriculture industry is the foundation of our state's economy, thanks in large part to the hardworking families who have maintained the tradition for decades," Deery said. "It's always a pleasure to honor these families – they should be proud of the heritage they have helped create."
"Agriculture remains one of Indiana's top economic strengths, and family farms are the heart of that success," said Baird, who serves on the House Agriculture and Rural Development Committee. "I appreciate each and every Hoosier farmer who continues their commitment to our state's proud agricultural tradition."
"Congratulations to the families who are preserving our agricultural traditions," Commons said. "Without these dedicated, hardworking Hoosiers, Indiana would not be the farming powerhouse it is today."
"While this award recognizes the history of these farms, it also celebrates the preservation of agriculture for future generations," Yocum said. "Thank you for inspiring fellow Hoosiers to continue strengthening Hoosier farming."
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 families who attended the event can be found here.
State Sen. Spencer Deery (R-West Lafayette) represents Senate District 23,
which includes Fountain, Parke, Vermillion and Warren counties,
and portions of Montgomery and Tippecanoe counties.
Click here to download a high-resolution photo.
State Rep. Beau Baird (R-Greencastle) represents House District 44,
which includes all of Putnam County and a portion of Montgomery County.
Click here to download a high-resolution photo.
State Rep. Matt Commons (R-Williamsport) represents House District 13,
which includes all of Benton and Warren counties, and portions of
Fountain, Jasper, Montgomery, Newton, Tippecanoe and White counties.
Click here to download a high-resolution photo.
State Rep. Tim Yocum (R-Clinton) represents House District 42, which includes
all of Parke and Vermillion counties, and portions of Clay, Fountain and Vigo counties.
Click here to download a high-resolution photo.
Contact: Lance Gideon, Senior Press Secretary
Lance.Gideon@iga.in.gov
317-234-9221
