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. Brian Buchanan (R-Lebanon), State Rep. Beau Baird (R-Greencastle) and State Rep. Jeff Thompson (R-Lizton), the Richard S. & Sandra K. Clouser farm received the Sesquicentennial Award and the Gentry farm received the Centennial Award. Both farms are located in Montgomery County.
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.
“Thanks to the hard work and dedication of family farms like these two, Indiana ranks as one of the country’s top agricultural states,” Buchanan said. “The longevity of both farms is a great example of the Hoosier work ethic, and I congratulate both farms for earning these great honors.”
“There are so many family farms in Indiana that have stood the test of time,” Baird said. “Their dedication and perseverance are commendable, and I’m glad to see these Hoosiers earn this recognition.”
“It’s an incredible accomplishment to maintain a homestead for over 100 years and a testament to the dedication, sacrifice and grit it took to make it happen,” Thompson said. “I’m thankful these Hoosiers continue to build on their family legacy and help keep our agriculture industry running strong.”
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.
