Southern Indiana Business Report
Hoosier farms were honored with longevity awards and their commitment to Indiana agriculture last week at the Indiana State Fair. Of the 95 farming families that were recognized, several were from the Radius Indiana region.
Lt. Gov. Micah Beckwith and Indiana State Department of Agriculture Director Don Lamb presented farming families with the Hoosier Homestead award.
“Indiana’s economy and heritage is built upon agriculture,” said Beckwith, Secretary of Agriculture and Rural Development. “It is an honor to be able to recognize these farming families and celebrate their enduring legacy.”
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.
Since the program’s inception in 1976, over 6,200 families have received the Hoosier Homestead Award. Often, a Hoosier Homestead farm is easily recognized because most recipients proudly display their awarded sign on their property.
“I am continually inspired by the long-established farming families that are recognized during the Hoosier Homestead ceremonies,” said Don Lamb, Director of the Indiana State Department of Ag. “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.”
State Rep. Stephen Bartels (R-Eckerty) and State Sen. Daryl Schmitt (R-Jasper) congratulated the farms from their districts that were recognized.
“The Hoosier Homestead Award reflects the endurance and commitment of families who have worked on the same farmland for over a century,” Bartels said. “These farmers embody the values of self-reliance and hard work that this state was built on.”
“As a fifth-generation farmer, I know how much time and effort it takes to keep a family farm up and running,” Schmitt said. “These families have worked hard from generation to generation and I congratulate them on earning this great honor.”
Hoosier Homestead recipients
The following includes the family name, award year and award category
Daviess County
Fuhrman, established in 1909, Centennial
Dubois County
Hochgesang, established in 1905, Centennial
Neukam, established in 1913, Centennial
Verkamp, established in 1871, Centennial and Sesquicentennial
Perry County
Epple family, established in 1907, Centennial
Hanloh-Boerste-LaGrange, established in 1858, Centennial and Sesquicentennial
Pike County
Meyer, established in 1895, Centennial
Harrison County
Leffler, established in 1874, Sesquicentennial
Martin, established in 1914, Centennial
Spencer County
Hurm, established in 1915, Centennial
More information on the Hoosier Homestead Award Program and nomination forms are available at in.gov/isda. Nominations for the March 2026 ceremony are due by Nov. 1. Questions may be emailed to [email protected].