At the Indiana Statehouse, Lt. Gov. Suzanne Crouch and Indiana State Department of Agriculture (ISDA) Director Don Lamb presented the Meyer family farm, established in 1920, the Hoosier Homestead Centennial Award in recognition of their commitment to Indiana agriculture on March 24."It is a true honor to be in the historic Statehouse today celebrating your incredible family farming history," said Lt. Gov. Crouch, Indiana's Secretary of Agriculture and Rural Development. "Your commitment to Indiana and our agriculture history and future is renowned. It was awe-inspiring to celebrate this family achievement with you all today." To be named a Hoosier Homestead, farms must be owned by the same family for over 100 consecutive years and consist of more than 20 acres. If less than 20 acres, the farm must produce more than $1,000 of agricultural products annually. In addition, Indiana farms may qualify for three honors: Centennial Award for 100 years of ownership/Sesquicentennial Award for 150 years of ownership/Bicentennial Award for 200 years of ownershipSince the program's inception in 1976, over 6,000 families have received the Hoosier Homestead Award. Many past awardees can be identified by the sign proudly displayed in front of the family farm or field identifying which Hoosier Homestead Award they received."Being a farmer myself, I know how challenging it is to farm today in general, and to keep the same property in the family for decades on end, no less," said Lamb. "This award being presented today to your farming families is proof of your dedication to agriculture, to our State, and to feeding our world, so I thank you." Other local Hoosier Homestead Award recipients honored during the spring 2023 ceremony were: Ripley County - Boggess/Bauman, est. 1922, Centennial. Wayne County - Druley-Pierce, est.1866, Sesquicentennial. The 2023 Summer Hoosier Homestead Award Ceremony will occur at the Indiana State Fairgrounds on Aug. 16.
