Farm Families Honored at State Fair for their Agricultural Heritage

Lt. Governor Sue Ellspermann and Indiana State Department of Agriculture Director Ted McKinney today presented 55 families with a Hoosier Homestead Award in recognition of their commitment to Indiana agriculture. 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 $1000 of agricultural products per year.  The award distinctions recognized are Centennial, Sesquicentennial, and Bicentennial. This ceremony had two families receiving the Bicentennial Award. “This program was established in 1976 to recognize the heritage of farming in Indiana and how Hoosier family farms have been passed down from generation to generation,” Lt. Governor Ellspermann said.  “I salute our Hoosier farmers today for being part of both our state’s legacy – but more importantly, a vital part of our state’s future,”

“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 55 families honored at Tuesday’s ceremony join more than 5000 Hoosier Homestead farms.  Administered by the Indiana State Department of Agriculture, semiannual recognition ceremonies are held in March during National Agriculture Month at the Indiana Statehouse and in August at the Indiana State Fair.

ABOUT ISDA

The Indiana State Department of Agriculture (ISDA) was established as a separate state agency by the Legislature in 2005.  The Director is appointed by the Governor and is a member of the Governor’s Cabinet.  Administratively, ISDA reports to Lt. Governor Sue Ellspermann, who also serves as Indiana’s Secretary of Agriculture.  Major responsibilities include advocacy for Indiana agriculture at the local, state and federal level, managing soil conservation programs, promoting economic development and agricultural innovation, serving as a regulatory ombudsman for agricultural businesses, and licensing grain firms throughout the state. 

Hoosier Homestead Recipients | August 2014