FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Kyra Helming, Press Secretary
317-232-9498
STATEHOUSE (April 6, 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. Jeff Raatz (R-Richmond) and State Reps. Brad Barrett (R-Richmond), Randy Lyness (R-West Harrison) and J.D. Prescott (R-Union City), four locally owned farms were honored at the Statehouse:
• The Bulach farm in Dearborn County received a Centennial Award;
• The Donald R. and Myrna L. Peacock farm in Randolph County received Centennial and Sesquicentennial Awards;
• The Jackson farm in Wayne County received a Sesquicentennial Award; and
• The Joseph and Madaline Niedenthal farm in Franklin County received a Centennial Award.
“The agriculture industry impacts every county in Indiana, and these family farms are instrumental aspects of our communities and state," Raatz said. "Without Hoosier farms, Indiana would not be the eighth-largest agricultural exporter in the nation and the tenth-largest farming state. I commend these families for maintaining their farms for more than 100 years."
"Hoosier farmers play an essential role in supporting our community and boosting our economy," Barrett said. "Thanks to their dedication, we have a thriving and diverse agricultural sector in our state."
"Running a farm isn't an easy job and to do so for more than 100 years takes a tremendous amount of perseverance," Lyness said. "We owe a lot to these farmers who work hard to put food on our tables."
"I grew up on a farm and eventually ran one on my own, and I know firsthand how much blood, sweat and tears go into working the land," Prescott said. "The commitment that these farmers have shown is worthy of recognition, and I applaud them for their continued dedication."
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. Jeff Raatz (R-Richmond) represents Senate District 27, which includes all or parts of Dearborn, Fayette, Franklin, Randolph, Union and Wayne counties. Click here for a high-resolution photo.
State Rep. Brad Barrett (R-Richmond) represents House District 56, which includes portions of Wayne County. Click here to download a high-resolution photo
State Rep. Randy Lyness (R-West Harrison) represents House District 68, which includes all of Union County and portions of Franklin and Dearborn counties. Click here to download a high-resolution photo.
State Rep. J.D. Prescott (R-Union City) represents House District 33, which includes Jay and Randolph counties, and a portion of Delaware County. Click here to download a high-resolution photo.
