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. Greg Walker (R-Columbus) and State Reps. Robb Greene (R-Shelbyville), Ryan Lauer (R-Columbus) and Jennifer Meltzer (R-Shelbyville), four locally owned farms were honored at the Statehouse.
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.
"These farming families have been supporting the local community for generations," Walker said. "I am immensely grateful for their hard work that keeps our state healthy and the dedication they have to the agriculture industry. It is because of families like these that Indiana continues its farming legacy."
"It is hard to overstate the scope of agriculture in Indiana, as it plays such an important role in our state," Greene said. "These homesteaders have deep roots in our local communities, and it is vital we recognize and protect their efforts to bolster our culture and economy. It's exactly why I've authored legislation to codify this program in state law."
"Farming is so deeply ingrained in Indiana's culture, lasting through generations through Hoosier Homesteads," Lauer said. "I'm grateful to these hard-working families and I look forward to another 100 years of Hoosier agriculture."
"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. Greg Walker (R-Columbus) represents Senate District 41, which includes portions of Bartholomew and Johnson counties.
Click here to download a high-resolution photo.
State Rep. Robb Greene (R-Shelbyville) represents House District 47, which includes portions of Johnson and Shelby counties.
Click here to download a high-resolution photo.
State Rep. Ryan Lauer (R-Columbus) represents House District 59, which includes a portion of Bartholomew County.
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.
