By Andi Anderson
At the Indiana State Fair on August 13, the Indiana State Department of Agriculture recognized 95 farming families with the Hoosier Homestead Award. This honor celebrates long-standing dedication to agriculture and family ownership of farmland across the state.
The Hoosier Homestead Award is given to families who have owned and operated the same farm for more than 100 years. To qualify, farms must consist of at least 20 acres or produce more than $1,000 in agricultural goods annually.
Families may receive one of three levels of recognition: the Centennial Award for 100 years, the Sesquicentennial Award for 150 years, or the Bicentennial Award for 200 years.
This year, eight local farm families were recognized for their achievements. Four families from Bartholomew County received awards: Donald D. Voelz for Sesquicentennial, C and M Arnholt for Centennial, Gary and Nancy Meyer for both Centennial and Sesquicentennial, and the Mensendiek family for both Centennial and Sesquicentennial.
From Johnson County, the Jones/Norton family earned the Sesquicentennial honor. In Jackson County, three families were honored: Duwe with both Centennial and Sesquicentennial, Holtman with Centennial, and Holtman/Eggersman with Centennial.
Since its beginning in 1976, the program has celebrated more than 6,200 farming families across Indiana. These awards symbolize not only family commitment but also the strength and endurance of agriculture as a way of life.
Many recipients proudly display their award signs on their properties, marking their farms as part of Indiana’s agricultural history.
The Hoosier Homestead Award is a reflection of the importance of farming families in sustaining communities, supporting food production, and preserving farmland for future generations. It honors their dedication, resilience, and contributions to Indiana’s farming tradition.
Photo Credit: indiana-state-department-of-agriculture
Categories: Indiana, Rural Lifestyle