FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact for Sen. Bohacek: Emma Balzer, Deputy Communications Director
Emma.Balzer@iga.in.gov
317-232-7184
Contact for Rep. Pressel: Kendall Macri, Press Secretary
Kendall.Macri@iga.in.gov
317-232-9824
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. Mike Bohacek (R-Michiana Shores) and State Rep. Jim Pressel (R-Rolling Prairie), the Charles E. Troike Family farm in Starke County received 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.
"Hardworking families like the Troikes are the backbone of Indiana's economy," Bohacek said. "These families pass down an agricultural legacy for generations supporting Indiana's role as one of the top agricultural producers in America."
"Our state was built on agriculture and has managed to keep the tradition alive through family farms like this and organizations like FFA," Pressel said. "It brings me great joy to honor families that continue to instill the values in the next generation that keep these farms in operation."
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. Mike Bohacek (R-Michiana Shores) represents Senate District 8, which include Starke County and portions of La Porte, Marshall and St. Joseph counties.
Click here for a high-resolution photo.
State Rep. Jim Pressel (R-Rolling Prairie) represents District 20,
which includes portions of LaPorte and Starke counties.
Click here to download a high-resolution photo.