FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Paige Gehlhausen, Press Secretary
Paige.Gehlhausen@iga.in.gov
317-232-9425
Emily Mertz, Press Secretary Intern
Emily.Mertz@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. Travis Holdman (R-Markle) and State Reps. Matt Lehman (R-Berne) and J.D. Prescott (R-Union City), six 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.
"Rural communities like those in Senate District 19 depend on these farmers who have such an impact on the success of our local economy," Holdman said. "These families have shown great dedication to maintaining the farming legacy, and I am proud to honor them at the Statehouse to celebrate all they do for our community, state and country."
"Indiana's agricultural industry is strong, driven by the unwavering commitment of Hoosier farm families who continue to contribute to the success of our economy," Lehman said. "Congratulations to these local farmers on this outstanding achievement."
"As many Hoosiers know, farming can be a challenging industry that requires hard work and commitment," Prescott said. "As someone who grew up in a farming family, I have great admiration for Hoosier farmers who put in years of effort to help feed our communities, boost our economy and provide jobs throughout the state of Indiana."
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. Travis Holdman (R-Markle) represents Senate District 19,
which includes Adams, Blackford, Jay and
Wells counties and a portion of Allen County.
Click here to download a high-resolution photo.
State Rep. Matt Lehman (R-Berne) represents House District 79,
which includes all of Adams County, and portions of Jay and Wells counties.
Click here to download a high-resolution photo.
State Rep. J.D. Prescott (R-Union City) represents House District 33,
which includes all of Blackford and Randolph counties,
and portions of Delaware, Henry and Jay counties.
Click here to download a high-resolution photo.
