FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Lance Gideon, Press Secretary
Lance.Gideon@iga.in.gov
317-234-9221
Daniella Neise, Press Secretary Intern
Daniella.Neise@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. Spencer Deery (R-West Lafayette) and State Reps. Beau Baird (R-Greencastle), Matt Commons (R-Williamsport), and Tim Yocum (R-Clinton), 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.
"It's a pleasure to honor these dedicated Hoosier families and their contributions to our state's farming heritage," Deery said. "The milestone deserves all the celebration we can give, and the families deserve all the gratitude we can extend for their many years of contribution to Indiana's agriculture industry."
"Generations of Hoosier farm families have built the foundation of our state's agriculture success," Baird said. "Their dedication to preserving this way of life is remarkable, and the Hoosier Homestead Award is a well-earned tribute to their enduring legacies."
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.
"Family farms are the heart of our state's agricultural industry, and it's incredible to see so many of them continue to thrive," Yocum said. "I'm grateful for the opportunity to celebrate these hardworking Hoosiers with this recognition."
"Through floods and droughts, storms and sleet, Hoosier farming families face challenges and risks like no other to keep food on our tables," Commons said. "It is an honor to celebrate those who have stuck with it and preserved our farming traditions."
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. Spencer Deery (R-West Lafayette) represents Senate District 23,
which includes Fountain, Parke, Vermillion and Warren counties,
and portions of Montgomery and Tippecanoe counties.
Click here to download a high-resolution photo.
State Rep. Beau Baird (R-Greencastle) represents House District 44,
which includes all of Putnam County and a portion of Montgomery County.
Click here to download a high-resolution photo.
State Rep. Matt Commons (R-Williamsport) represents House District 13,
which includes all of Benton and Warren counties, and portions of
Fountain, Jasper, Montgomery, Newton, Tippecanoe and White counties.
Click here to download a high-resolution photo.
State Rep. Tim Yocum (R-Clinton) represents House District 42, which includes
all of Parke and Vermillion counties, and portions of Clay, Fountain and Vigo counties.
Click here to download a high-resolution photo.
