On Wednesday at the Indiana State Fair, Lt. Gov. Micah Beckwith and Indiana State Department of Agriculture (ISDA) Director Don Lamb presented 95 farming families with a Hoosier Homestead Award in recognition of their commitment to Indiana agriculture.
“Indiana’s economy and heritage is built upon agriculture,” said Lt. Gov. Beckwith, who also serves as the Secretary of Agriculture and Rural Development. “It is an honor to be able to recognize these farming family and celebrate their enduring legacy.”
Locally, two Hamilton County farms were recognized:
- Klingensmith: Centennial & Sesquicentennial (1854 award year)
- C. “Cad” Goff / Linda Kay Rockwell: Centennial (1905 award year)
To be named a Hoosier Homestead, farms must be owned by the same family for more than 100 consecutive years and consist of more than 20 acres. If less than 20 acres, the farm must produce more than $1,000 of agricultural products per year. Indiana farms may qualify for three honors: Centennial Award for 100 years of ownership, Sesquicentennial Award for 150 years of ownership, and the Bicentennial Award for 200 years of ownership.
Since the program’s inception in 1976, over 6,200 families have received the Hoosier Homestead Award. Often, a Hoosier Homestead farm is easily recognized because most recipients proudly display their awarded sign on their property.
“I am continually inspired by the long-established farming families that are recognized during the Hoosier Homestead ceremonies,” ISDA Director Don Lamb. “I personally know the amount of commitment and dedication needed to keep a farm in the family for 100 years or more. I thank each one for their devotion to the agriculture industry and their loyalty to the state of Indiana.”