FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Kyra Helming, Press Secretary
317-232-9498
STATEHOUSE (April 5, 2022) – Area legislators today announced the latest recipients of the Hoosier Homestead Award, which recognizes farms that have been owned and maintained by the same family for 100 years or more.
The Hoosier Homestead Award Program honors families who have made significant contributions to Indiana agriculture. The program, instituted in 1976, recognizes the impact these family farms have made to the economic, cultural and social advancements of Indiana. Within the past 45 years, more than 5,800 farms have received the honor.
Represented by State Sen. Chris Garten (R-Charlestown) and State Reps. Jim Lucas (R-Seymour) and Zach Payne (R-Charlestown), two locally owned farms were honored at the Statehouse.
The Faris farm in Scott County received a Sesquicentennial Award, and the Moenning Hill farm in Jackson County received Centennial and Sesquicentennial awards.
"As the tenth-largest farming state in the nation, we must make sure we acknowledge the farms in our community that allow Indiana to succeed," Garten said. "I would like to thank the Faris and Moenning families for their steadfast dedication and commitment to agriculture and farming in Indiana. It is because of families like them that our agriculture industry is thriving, and I will remain committed to preserving and protecting Hoosier farmers so they can continue leaving a positive impact on our great state."
"The Moenning Hill Farm has contributed to Indiana's agricultural history for over 150 years, and I hope to see it continue to succeed," Lucas said. "This is an incredible accomplishment, and the Rogers deserve to be recognized for withstanding the test of time and passing down family traditions."
"Our state's agriculture industry is critical to our economy, and Hoosiers like the Faris family help contribute to our communities and food supply chains," Payne said. "It's always encouraging to see Hoosier farmers maintain and grow their family business for so long."
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.
Two Hoosier Homestead award ceremonies are held each year – one at the Statehouse in April and one at the State Fair in August. To learn more about the program or to apply for a Hoosier Homestead award, visit www.in.gov/isda/2337.htm.
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High-resolution photos of the award recipients can be found by visiting www.flickr.com/photos/isda_gov/albums
Note: Not all award recipients attended the ceremony at the Statehouse
State Sen. Chris Garten (R-Charlestown) represents Senate District 45, which includes all or portions of Clarke, Jackson, Jefferson, Scott and Switzerland counties. Click here for a high resolution photo.
State Rep. Jim Lucas (R-Seymour) represents House District 69, which includes portions of Bartholomew, Jackson, Jennings and Jefferson counties. Click here to download a high-resolution photo.
State Rep. Zach Payne (R-Charlestown) represents House District 66, which includes all of Scott County, most of Jefferson County and northeastern Clark County. Click here to download a high-resolution photo.
