FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Samantha Deese, Press Secretary
Samantha.Deese@iga.in.gov
317-234-9133
Emily Mertz, Press Secretary Intern
Emily.Mertz@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. Jim Buck (R-Kokomo) and State Rep. Heath VanNatter (R-Kokomo), the Guy Kirby farm in Tipton County received a Sesquicentennial 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.
"It is wonderful to honor representatives of Hoosier agriculture at the Statehouse," Buck said. "Farms like the Guy Kirby farm are the reason Indiana remains a highly respected agricultural state, and I am proud to represent them."
"Agriculture continues to play a significant role in the economic success of our state," VanNatter said. "These families are great examples of the dedication farmers across our state exhibit every day, and I congratulate them on their outstanding accomplishment."
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. Jim Buck (R-Kokomo) represents Senate District 21,
which includes Tipton County and portions of Hamilton and Howard counties.
Click here to download a high-resolution photo.
State Rep. Heath VanNatter (R-Kokomo) represents House District 38,
which includes all of Carroll and Tipton counties, and
portions of Cass, Clinton, Howard and Tippecanoe counties.
Click here to download a high-resolution photo.
