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. Jean Leising (R-Oldenburg) and State Reps. Lindsay Patterson (R-Brookville), Alex Zimmerman (R-North Vernon), Cory Criswell (R-Middletown) and Jennifer Meltzer (R-Shelbyville), 13 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.
"As chair of the Senate Committee on Agriculture, I know how hard these farmers work," Leising said. "Running a family farm for 100 or 200 years is truly a major accomplishment, but to have 13 farms receive the Hoosier Homestead Award locally is even more impressive. I want to congratulate all of these families for their dedication to our state."
"I am proud to represent a district with such a strong agricultural tradition and to see these families recognized for their contributions," Patterson said. "This award celebrates the dedication and hard work that have helped Indiana's family farms thrive for generations."
"Farming has been and continues to be one of our state's greatest economic boons, but it is also a longstanding Hoosier tradition," Zimmerman said. "These families have shown tremendous dedication and grit to earn this award, and the whole state congratulates and thanks them."
"Every generation that chooses to continue a family farm helps preserve a way of life that has shaped Indiana for decades," Criswell said. "These families have shown an incredible commitment to their land and to Indiana agriculture, and they should be proud of this well-earned recognition."
"These families have withstood the test of time, continuing these longstanding farming practices for one hundred or more years," Meltzer said. "This is a monumental achievement that should inspire us, showing what dedication and perseverance can build."
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. Jean Leising (R-Oldenburg) represents Senate District 42, which includes
Decatur, Fayette, Ripley and Rush counties, and portions of Franklin, Jennings and Shelby counties.
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.
State Rep. Alex Zimmerman (R-North Vernon) represents House District 67,
which includes portions of Decatur, Jefferson, Jennings and Ripley counties.
Click here to download a high-resolution photo.
State Rep. Cory Criswell (R-Middletown) represents House District 54,
which includes portions of Hancock, Henry, Rush and Shelby counties.
Click here to download a high-resolution photo
State Rep. Jennifer Meltzer (R-Shelbyville) represents House District 73,
which includes portions of Bartholomew, Decatur, Jennings and Shelby counties.
Click here to download a high-resolution photo.
Contact: Elijah Roberson, Press Secretary
Elijah.Roberson@iga.in.gov
317-232-9498
