95 farming families recently received Hoosier Homestead Awards in recognition of their commitment to Indiana agriculture.

Lt. Gov. Micah Beckwith and Indiana State Department of Agriculture Director Don Lamb presented the awards at the Indiana State Fair.

“Indiana’s economy and heritage is built upon agriculture,” Beckwith said in a press release. “It is an honor to be able to recognize these farming family and celebrate their enduring legacy.”

To be named a Hoosier Homestead, farms must be owned by the same family for over 100 consecutive years and consist of more than 20 acres. If less than 20 acres, the farm must produce over $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.

“I am continually inspired by the long-established farming families that are recognized during the Hoosier Homestead ceremonies,” Lamb said. “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.”

Regional Hoosier Homestead Award recipients honored during the summer 2025 ceremony include:

Jasper County – Daugherty / Hayworth, 1918 Centennial

Lake County – Oldendorf, 1851 Sesquicentennial

LaPorte County – Harder / Patek, 1871 Centennial & Sesquicentennial

LaPorte County – Gillham, 1861 Centennial & Sesquicentennial

Marshall County – Smith, 1922 Centennial

Porter County – Kuehl, 1874 Sesquicentennial

Pulaski County – Malchow, 1915 Centennial

St. Joseph County – Stuart Beehler, 1889 Centennial

Starke County – Sanders, 1921 Centennial

Since the program's inception in 1976, over 6,200 families have received the Hoosier Homestead Award.