FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Sen. Raatz Contact: Jacob Stewart, Press Secretary
Jacob.Stewart@iga.in.gov
317-232-9498
Elijah Roberson, Press Secretary Intern
Elijah.Roberson@iga.in.gov
Reps. Barrett, Criswell Contact: Amanda Schreiber, Press Secretary
Amanda.Schreiber@iga.in.gov
317-232-9705
STATEHOUSE (March 24, 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. Jeff Raatz (R-Richmond) and State Reps. Cory Criswell (R-Middletown) and Brad Barrett (R-Richmond), the Kellam Mercer farm in Henry County and the Smith farm in Wayne County each received Centennial awards.
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.
"Farming is crucial to Indiana's economy, as we are the ninth largest farming state in the nation," Raatz said. "It's great to see farms in our community reach these impressive milestones, and I thank them for their dedication to our state."
"The Hoosier Homestead Award is a powerful reminder of the impact these families have made over generations throughout the state of Indiana," Barrett said. "These farms represent the core of our rural communities, and I’m proud to recognize their contributions to the history and future of Indiana agriculture."
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.
"It’s an honor to celebrate the legacy of families like the Kellam Mercer and Smith farms, whose dedication has shaped Indiana's agriculture," Criswell said. "Their commitment for over a century has set the foundation for our farming industry as well as our state."
To learn more about the program or to apply for a Hoosier Homestead Award, visit www.in.gov/isda. According to ISDA, all family photos will be available online by March 28, 2025. According to ISDA, all family photos will be available online by March 28, 2025.
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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. Jeff Raatz (R-Richmond) represents Senate District 27,
which includes Henry, Union and Wayne counties, and portions of Franklin County.
Click here to download a high-resolution photo.
