FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Kellyn Harrison, Press Secretary
Kellyn.Harrison@iga.in.gov
317-232-9498
STATEHOUSE (March 28, 2023) – 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. Eric Koch (R-Bedford) and State Rep. Chris May (R-Bedford), the Dennis F. & Patricia F. Cleveland farm in Orange County received a Sesquicentennial Award.
The Hoosier Homestead Award Program honors families who have made significant contributions to Indiana agriculture. Instituted in 1976, the program recognizes the impact these family farms have made on the economic, cultural and social advancements of Indiana. In the past 47 years, more than 5,800 farms have received the honor.
"With just over 94,000 farmers in Indiana and 95% of farms being family-owned or operated, it is important to recognize those who continue to support our local and state agriculture communities," Koch said. "It is an immense honor to be recognized with a Hoosier Homestead award, and I would like to congratulate the Cleveland family for their many years of ownership."
"Farming contributes so much to our economy and way of life in Indiana," May said. "It defines so much of this state's character, and it's important to recognize families like this whose work has stood the test of time."
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 Koch (R-Bedford) represents Senate District 44,
which includes Brown, Jackson, Lawrence and Orange counties, and portions of Monroe County.
Click here to download a high-resolution photo.
State Rep. Chris May (R-Bedford) represents House District 65,
which includes all of Lawrence County, and portions of Jackson, Orange and Washington counties.
Click here to download a high-resolution photo.
