FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Sen. Koch Contact: Jacob Stewart, Press Secretary
Jacob.Stewart@iga.in.gov
317-232-9498
Elijah Roberson, Press Secretary Intern
Elijah.Roberson@iga.in.gov
Rep. Lucas Contact: Charles Melton, Press Secretary
Charles.melton@iga.in.gov
317-232-9659
STATEHOUSE (March 21, 2025) – Area legislators are recognizing the latest local recipient of the Hoosier Homestead Award, which recognizes farms owned and maintained by the same family for 100 years or more.
Represented by State Sen. Eric Koch (R-Bedford) and State Rep. Jim Lucas (R-Seymour), the Everette Duwe farm in Jackson County was honored at the Statehouse with a Centennial 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.
"Agriculture is a huge part of Indiana's economy, and our farmers work tirelessly to make Indiana one of the top agricultural producers in the nation," Koch said. "I'm proud to represent the Duwe family and thankful for the work they've done to keep our agricultural legacy alive and thriving."
"Maintaining these generational farms takes grit, determination and perseverance, and families like the Duwes are a testament to those admirable qualities," Lucas said. "I'm grateful for their continued contributions to both Indiana's culture and economy."
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. Eric Koch (R-Bedford) represents Senate District 44,
which includes Brown, Jackson, Lawrence and Orange counties, and portions of Monroe County.
Click here to download a high-resolution photo
State Rep. Jim Lucas (R-Seymour) represents House District 69,
which includes portions of Bartholomew, Jackson, Scott and Washington counties.
Click here to download a high-resolution photo.
