STATEHOUSE (March 28, 2023) – 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. Mike Gaskill (R-Pendleton), House Speaker Todd Huston (R-Fishers) and State Rep. Elizabeth Rowray (R-Yorktown), the Sowers-Pickett farm in Hamilton County and the Williams farm in Madison County each received a Centennial 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.
"I am truly impressed by the resilience and determination of the Sowers-Pickett farm and the Williams farm to continue operating for over a century," Gaskill said. "I want to thank these families for their dedication and congratulate them on this great achievement."
"It's incredible to think about how much has changed in the last 100 years and humbling to know our longstanding farm families fought hard to overcome so many challenges," Huston said. "Hoosier Homestead Award recipients are part of our state's heritage and a reminder of the work ethic, perseverance and passion for stewardship passed down from generation to generation. I'm excited to help recognize their family legacy and commitment to agriculture."
"Family farms have always played a major role in the history of our state," Rowray said. "I have a great deal of respect for those who have dedicated their lives to ensuring Indiana remains an agricultural powerhouse."
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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