FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact for Sen. Niemeyer: Emma Balzer, Deputy Communications Director
Emma.Balzer@iga.in.gov
317-232-7184
Contact for Reps. Aylesworth, Commons, Culp: Kendall Macri, Press Secretary
Kendall.Macri@iga.in.gov
317-232-9824
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. Rick Niemeyer (R-Lowell) and State Reps. Michael Aylesworth (R-Hebron), Matt Commons (R-Williamsport) and Kendell Culp (R-Rensselaer), 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.
"Thanks to the hard work and dedication of farms like these, Indiana is the ninth largest farming state in the nation," Niemeyer said. "It's great to see local farms reach such impressive milestones, especially ones that have served Indiana for over a century."
"Indiana agriculture is a $35 billion industry that impacts nearly every part of the state," Aylesworth said. "Because of their contributions and dedication to agriculture, we recognize and honor these longstanding Hoosier farming families."
"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."
"Agriculture is the foundation of Indiana's economy and the livelihood of thousands of Hoosier farmers," Culp said. "Through hard work and dedication, these families keep the state's farming tradition alive."
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. Rick Niemeyer (R-Lowell) represents Senate District 6,
which includes Benton and Newton counties, and portions of Lake and Jasper counties.
Click here to download a high-resolution photo
State Rep. Michael Aylesworth (R-Hebron) represents House District 11,
which includes portions of Jasper, Lake, Newton and Porter counties.
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. Kendell Culp (R-Rensselaer) represents House District 16,
which includes portions of Jasper, Pulaski, Starke and White counties.
Click here to download a high-resolution photo.
