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 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), State Rep. Jim Lucas (R-Seymour) and State Rep. Chris May (R-Beford), seven locally owned farms were honored at the Statehouse.
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.
"Operating a farm for multiple generations and more than 100 years is a great accomplishment, which is why I am pleased to see so many family farms receive this distinguished award," Koch said. "Congratulations to these families for achieving these milestones and thank you for your dedication to supporting our state and communities."
"One of Indiana's strengths lies in the grit and determination of our longstanding farm families, which has helped build our agricultural industry," Lucas said. "These families, whose dedication has helped keep these century-old businesses alive, have done a great service to the state, and we owe them our gratitude."
"Indiana's place as one of the top agricultural states is thanks in no small part to the resiliency of these farm families," May said. "I commend them for their continued dedication to this essential work and for passing on their passion and traditions to the next generation."
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. 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. 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.
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.
