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 Koch (R-Bedford) and State Reps. Chris May (R-Bedford) and Jim Lucas (R-Seymour), six locally owned farms were honored at the Indiana State Fair.
• Both Beeler farms in Lawrence County received a Centennial Award
• The Fountain farm in Jackson County received Centennial and Sesquicentennial awards
• The Stockamp-Otte-Wiesehan farm in Jackson County received a Sesquicentennial Award
• The Stuckwish farm in Jackson County received a Centennial Award
• The Walton farm in Lawrence 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.
"Indiana is a state rich with agricultural history. Our community exemplifies this by having six Hoosier Homestead Award winners," Koch said. "It's great to see that our farming tradition is still going strong through these farms and across our state."
"Hoosier Homestead Award recipients represent the very best of Indiana agriculture," May said. "Keeping a farm thriving for over 100 years takes a resilience that has helped shape our communities for generations."
"Farmers are an essential part of Indiana, from our economy to our culture," Lucas said. "These hard workers are an asset to our state, and I hope they continue their dedication for another hundred years."
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.
-30-
ATTENTION MEDIA: Photos of the families who attended the event can be found here.
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.
State Rep. Jim Lucas (R-Seymour) represents House District 69,
which includes portions of Bartholomew, Jackson, Scott and Washington counties.
Click here to download a high-resolution photo.
Contact: Elijah Roberson, Press Secretary
Elijah.Roberson@iga.in.gov
317-232-9498
