STATEHOUSE – Lawrence County farms owned and operated by the same family for at least 100 years were recently honored with Hoosier Homestead awards, according to State Rep. Chris May (R-Bedford) and State Sen. Eric Koch (R-Bedford).
“It’s amazing how many Hoosier family farms like these have stood the test of time,” May said. “Their resiliency and hard work continue to make Indiana one of the top agricultural states in the country.”
Farms owned and maintained by the same family for 100, 150, and 200 years can qualify for the centennial, sesquicentennial, or bicentennial Hoosier Homestead awards.
“These families have committed generations to farming and are the reason why Indiana remains one of the largest agricultural exporters in the nation,” Koch said. “Withstanding more than a century is quite an accomplishment, which is why I commend these families for their dedication and thank them for all they have done to shape our community and state.”
Located in Lawrence County, these farms were presented Hoosier Homestead awards:
- The Beal Farm, in operation since 1923, received the centennial award;
- The Craig/Day Farm, in operation since 1823, received the bicentennial award; and
- The Stipp Farm, in operation since 1923, received the centennial award.
These farm families were among 103 awardees recently recognized at the Indiana State Fair for their commitment to agriculture.
Hoosier Homestead award ceremonies are conducted yearly in the spring and summer to commemorate farm families for their legacies and contributions to Indiana’s agriculture industry. Since the program started in 1976, the state has honored more than 6,000 farms with this designation.
For more information on the Hoosier Homestead Award Program and to nominate a farm, visit in.gov/isda. Nominations for the March 2024 ceremony are due by Nov. 1.
