Families Honored at Statehouse for their Agricultural Heritage

Indiana Lt. Gov. Sue Ellspermann and Indiana State Department of Agriculture Director Ted McKinney presented 31 families with a Hoosier Homestead Award in recognition of their commitment to Indiana agriculture. “There’s no doubt in our minds that agriculture plays a vital role in Indiana’s economy, but we also need to be reminded of the men and women behind the industry,” Lt. Gov. Sue Ellspermann said.  “The families honored today have persevered through trial and bounty to steward the earth and produce food for our state, nation and world.”

To be named a Hoosier Homestead, farms must be owned by the same family for more than 100 consecutive years and consist of more than 20 acres or produce more than $1000 of agricultural products per year.  The Hoosier Homestead program is administered by the Indiana State Department of Agriculture. “The families celebrated here today remind us of what makes Indiana agriculture great,” Director McKinney said.  “Agriculture is not solely about producing food, fiber and fuel for a growing population.  It is also about preserving a way of life that values hard-work, integrity and community.  The Hoosier Homestead Award Program celebrates just that and ISDA is proud to oversee this awards program.”

The 31 families honored at Thursday’s ceremony join more than 5000 Hoosier Homestead farms.  Annual recognition ceremonies are held in March during National Agriculture Month at the Indiana Statehouse and in August at the Indiana State Fair.

Hoosier Homestead Recipients | March 2014