Area Farming Families Among Spring 2023 Hoosier Homestead Award Honorees

Fifty-six farming families were recognized for their commitment to Indiana agriculture.

INDIANAPOLIS – Four local farming families have been honored with Hoosier Homestead Award.

Lt. Governor Suzanne Crouch and the Indiana State Department of Agriculture (ISDA) presented 56 farming families with a Hoosier Homestead Award in recognition of their commitment to Indiana agriculture.

Local recipients include:

• Decker, Dearborn County, 1919, Centennial
• Hoog, Dearborn County, 1919, Centennial
• Meyer, Franklin County, 1920, Centennial
• Boggess/Bauman, Ripley County, 1922, Centennial

“It is a true honor to be in the historic Statehouse today celebrating your incredible family farming history,” said Lt. Gov. Crouch, Indiana’s Secretary of Agriculture and Rural Development. “Your commitment to Indiana and our agriculture history and future is renowned. It was awe-inspiring to celebrate this family achievement with you all today.”

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.

Over 6,000 families have received the Hoosier Homestead Award since its inception in 1976.