Rep. Woody Burton (R-Whiteland) attended the Hoosier Homestead Award ceremony yesterday afternoon at the Indiana State Fairgrounds as Lt. Gov. Becky Skillman presented more than 73 families with the award, recognizing some of Indiana’s oldest family farms.
The Hoosier Homestead Award program recognizes families that have owned the same family farm for 100 years or more. This award program was established to honor Indiana’s rich agricultural heritage.
Two of the families awarded in yesterday’s ceremony were from Johnson County. The George Wesley Beck Family Farm, from Bargersville, was created in 1882, and the Hurricane Creek Farm, from Franklin, was created in 1884.
“Both of these farms were recognized for their lasting impact on Johnson County,” said Rep. Burton. “With today’s focus on the continuously evolving world of technology, it shouldn’t be forgotten what our Hoosier farmers contribute to the state’s economy.
“The State of Indiana has some of the best family farms in the Midwest and in the country, so it was an honor to recognize some of those farms that are from our community.”
The Hoosier Homestead program was instituted in 1976 and recognizes the contributions these family farms have made to the economic, cultural and social advancements of Indiana.
Indiana family farms may qualify for one of three awards:
- Centennial Award – 100 years of ownership
- Sesquicentennial Award – 150 years of ownership
- Bicentennial Award – 200 years of ownership
Almost 4,500 farms have received the honor in the past 30 years.
