Farm families from Hamilton County in operation for 100 years or more were recognized last week at the Indiana State Fair, according to local legislators.
Director of the Indiana State Department of Agriculture Bruce Kettler (far left), State Rep. Tony Cook (R-Cicero) (second from left) and Lt. Gov. Suzanne Crouch (far right) present a Hoosier Homestead Sesquicentennial Award to the Flanders/Sheller family. (Photo provided)
Located in Noblesville, the Flanders/Sheller Farms have been in operation since 1865 and received a Hoosier Homestead Sesquicentennial Award.
“With this farm being in operation for more than 150 years, the members of this family endured many challenges and witnessed firsthand the evolution of Hamilton County,” said State Rep. Kathy Kreag Richardson (R-Noblesville). “Congratulations to the Flanders/Sheller Farms on this remarkable achievement.”
The Joseph Wheeler Farm, located in Westfield, has been in operation since 1851 and received Hoosier Homestead Centennial and Sesquicentennial awards.
State Rep. Tony Cook (R-Cicero) (second from left), Lt. Gov. Suzanne Crouch (second from right) and Director of the Indiana State Department of Agriculture Bruce Kettler (far right) present Hoosier Homestead Centennial and Sesquicentennial awards to the Wheeler family. (Photo provided)
“As a farmer, I understand the hard work it takes to keep a farm running,” said State Sen. Victoria Spartz (R-Noblesville). “Many generations have worked together to help their farm succeed for nearly 170 years. I commend their dedication to this industry and our community. Congratulations!”
Located in Sheridan, the Haughey Farm has been in operation since 1882 and was presented a Hoosier Homestead Centennial Award.
“Family farms play a huge part in caring for Indiana land and keeping our economy strong,” said State Sen. Jim Buck (R-Kokomo). “It’s critical to continue to support local farms, as they benefit our state and provide jobs to more than 107,000 Hoosiers.”
State Rep. Tony Cook (R-Cicero) (far left), Director of the Indiana State Department of Agriculture Bruce Kettler (second from the left) and Lt. Gov. Suzanne Crouch (far right) present a Hoosier Homestead Centennial Award to the Haughey family. (Photo provided)
The Hoosier Homestead Award Program recognizes farms that have been owned and maintained by the same family for 100 years or more. Families can qualify for the centennial, sesquicentennial or bicentennial award.
“This program began in 1976 as a way for the state to recognize the vital role of these longstanding farm families,” said State Rep. Tony Cook (R-Cicero). “Those who devote their lives to the agricultural industry contribute greatly to Indiana’s economic, cultural and social advancements. We all benefit from their hard work and dedication.”
Each year, two awards ceremonies are held in the spring and summer commemorating the achievements of farm families across the state. For more information on the Hoosier Homestead Award Program, visit in.gov/isda/2337.htm.