Carol Johnson, Southern Indiana Business Report
INDIANAPOLIS — Three southern Indiana families were among 56 farming families honored with a Hoosier Homestead Award during a presentation at the Indiana Statehouse March 24.
Lt. Gov. Suzanne Crouch and Indiana State Department of Agriculture (ISDA) Director Don Lamb presented the awards in recognition of the families’ commitment to Indiana agriculture.
The Hays family from Greene County and Dennis F. and Patricia F. Cleveland from Orange County both received Sesquicentennial Awards. The Brown family from Martin County received a Centennial Award.
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.
Sarah McCormick is a descendant of Marcus Hays, who bought the original 173 acres in what was then known as Point Commerce in 1855. Over time the farm was expanded and is now 800 acres; the area that was Point Commerce came to be known as Worthington.
McCormick’s grandfather was the third Marcus Hays to live on the farm and her mother Ann (Hays) Tate grew up on the farm. Ann married and moved to Illinois, but visits back to the farm were frequent and treasured times for members of the Hays family, said McCormick who lives in Illinois.
“There’s lots of wildlife on the farm … turkey, bobcats, deer. It’s a beautiful place full of memories,” McCormick said.
A barn built in the 1880s using beams from a grist mill still stands as does the farmhouse built in the 1880s. McCormick’s aunt Louise Hays lives on the farm.
To make money during the Depression, McCormick said they sold apples from the farm’s orchards and they sold gladiolas from their flower gardens.
The farm continues today through a long partnership with Triple E Farms. In addition to planting a variety of crops, the farm raises cattle. The arrangement has allowed the family to continue to farm the land.
“The Egenolfs are a farming family. We have the land and they provide the labor and we split the profits and expenses,” McCormick explained.
“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.”
Award has honored more than 6,000 farms
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.
Since the program’s inception in 1976, over 6,000 families have received the Hoosier Homestead Award. Many past awardees can be identified by the sign proudly displayed in front of the family farm or field.
“Being a farmer myself I know how challenging it is to farm today in general, and to keep the same property in the family for decades on end, no less,” said Lamb. “This award being presented today to your farming families is proof of your dedication to agriculture, to our State and to feeding our world, so I thank you.”