FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Kristen Gorski, Press Secretary
Kristen.Gorski@iga.in.gov
317-232-9539
Lucas Wolf, Multimedia Intern
Lucas.Wolf@iga.in.gov
STATEHOUSE (March 21, 2025) – 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. Michael Crider (R-Greenfield) and State Reps. Ethan Lawson (R-Greenfield) and Jennifer Meltzer (R-Shelbyville), two locally owned farms were honored at the Statehouse.
The Cain farm in Hancock County received a Centennial Award and the Wright/Bassett farm in Shelby County received a Sesquicentennial Award.
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.
"The farms presented with these awards are dedicated to their craft and to their community," Crider said. "Thank you to the Cain and Wright/Bassett farms for your years of hard work and the support you have given to our local communities."
"It’s a privilege to honor the Cain and Wright/Bassett farms today,” Lawson said. “These families have not only sustained their farms for generations, but they've also helped preserve Indiana's farming traditions and economy."
"Our agriculture industry is extremely well known, and these farmers have helped maintain its exceptional reputation," Meltzer said. "These families have shown grit, determination and perseverance, and these awards are much deserved."
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.
To learn more about the program or to apply for a Hoosier Homestead Award, visit www.in.gov/isda.
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ATTENTION MEDIA: Photos of the event can be found here. According to ISDA, all family photos will be available online by March 28, 2025.
State Sen. Michael Crider (R-Greenfield) represents Senate District 28, which includes Hancock County and portions of Shelby and Marion counties.
Click here to download a high-resolution photo.
State Rep. Ethan Lawson (R-Greenfield) represents House District 53, which includes portions of Hancock and Madison counties.
Click here to download a high-resolution photo.
State Rep. Jennifer Meltzer (R-Shelbyville) represents House District 73, which includes portions of Bartholomew, Decatur, Jennings and Shelby counties.
Click here to download a high-resolution photo.
