FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Kellyn Harrison, Press Secretary
Kellyn.Harrison@iga.in.gov
(317)232-9498
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. Jeff Raatz (R-Richmond) and State Rep. Lindsay Patterson (R-Brookville), the Elmer & May Brack farm in Franklin 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.
"Agriculture continues to be a necessary source for our state's development, contributing an estimated $35.1 billion to Indiana's economy each year," Raatz said. "I congratulate the Elmer & May Brack farm for maintaining their farm for a century and thank them for playing a role in building our economy and helping our state remain one of the top agricultural states in the nation."
"Thanks to the persistence and dedication of these families, Indiana's agriculture industry has flourished, not only feeding the state but also the world," Patterson said. "These Hoosiers have made tremendous sacrifices and overcome countless challenges to remain in operation, and it's important to recognize their efforts."
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. Jeff Raatz (R-Richmond) represents Senate District 27,
which includes Henry, Union and Wayne counties, and portions of Franklin County.
Click here to download a high-resolution photo.
State Rep. Lindsay Patterson (R-Brookville) represents House District 55, which includes
all of Fayette, Franklin and Union counties, and portions of Decatur, Ripley and Rush counties.
Click here to download a high-resolution photo.
