Indiana state fair honors family farms

By Andi Anderson

At the Indiana State Fair, eleven local farms were recently recognized with the prestigious Hoosier Homestead Award.

This honor is given annually by the Indiana State Department of Agriculture to farms that have been owned by the same family for over 100 years, reflecting their dedication and commitment to Indiana's agricultural heritage.

The Hoosier Homestead Award ceremony is a significant event during the Indiana State Fair, celebrating the enduring legacy of family farms across the state.

Lt. Gov. Suzanne Crouch, Indiana’s Secretary of Agriculture and Rural Development, praised the event, stating, "It is a true honor to celebrate these families for their work and commitment to bettering Indiana agriculture."

To qualify as a Hoosier Homestead, a farm must have been in the same family for at least 100 consecutive years and must either consist of 20 acres or more or produce at least $1,000 in agricultural products annually.

The award is divided into three categories: the Centennial Award for 100 years, the Sesquicentennial Award for 150 years, and the Bicentennial Award for 200 years of continuous family ownership.

The eleven farms honored this year include:

• Dearborn County: Murtaugh (1855, Sesquicentennial)
• Decatur County: Manlief (1873, Sesquicentennial), Charles and Mary Torline (1874, Centennial and Sesquicentennial)
• Franklin County: Kuntz (1916, Centennial), Miles Homestead Farms LLC (1874, Sesquicentennial), Wessel (1858, Centennial and Sesquicentennial)
• Ripley County: Drockelman (1860, Sesquicentennial), Miller (1910, Centennial), Shorten-Volz-Miller (1917, Centennial), Smith (1868, Centennial and Sesquicentennial), Wilson (1923, Centennial)

Since its inception in 1976, the Hoosier Homestead Award has been presented to nearly 6,200 families. Many recipients proudly display their awarded sign on their property, marking their farm as a symbol of enduring agricultural tradition and family dedication.

The recognition of these farms underscores the vital role that family farms play in Indiana's agricultural landscape and the importance of preserving this legacy for future generations.

Photo Credit: indiana-state-fair