Area Farmers Recognized For Being in Operation for 100 Years or More

From State Sources


AREA WIDE -- Local family farms were recently recognized at the Indiana State Fair for being in operation for 100 years or more.

According to State Rep. Shane Lindauer (R-Jasper) and State Sens. Eric Bassler (R-Washington), Erin Houchin (R-Salem) and Mark Messmer (R-Jasper), these farms throughout the area were presented a Hoosier Homestead Award:

  • The Hunter-Nolan Farm, located in Daviess County, has been in operation since 1818 and received the Bicentennial Award;
  • The Victor A. Beckman Farm, located in Dubois County, has been in operation since 1849, and received Centennial and Sesquicentennial awards;
  • The Joshua J. Himsel Farm, located in Dubois County, has been in operation since 1887 and received the Centennial Award; and
  • The Billings Farm, located in Martin County, has been in operation since 1918 and received the Centennial Award. 

“Indiana’s agriculture industry has a huge impact on every Hoosier’s day-to-day life,” Bassler said. “It’s important to recognize these families who have carried on agricultural traditions for over 100 years. Congratulations!”

“Throughout Indiana’s history, agriculture has been firmly rooted in our heritage, and family farms continue to be an important part of our economy,” Houchin said. “These families are pillars in our state, and I thank them for their hard work and dedication and wish them continued success.”

“Family farms are essential to the economy and cultural tradition of our state,” Lindauer said. “With the increased demand for locally grown food and products, family-owned farms like these are making an even bigger impact. Congratulations to our local award winners for their contributions and commitment to our area.”

“Family-owned farms are the backbone of our state’s agriculture industry,” Messmer said. “I want to congratulate these families on preserving the Hoosier tradition of farming and wish them the best as they continue to serve their communities.”

The Hoosier Homestead Award Program recognizes farms that have been owned and maintained by the same family for 100 years or more. Families can qualify for the centennial, sesquicentennial or bicentennial award. 

Each year, two awards ceremonies are held in the spring and summer commemorating the achievements of farm families across the state. For more information on the Hoosier Homestead Award Program, visit www.in.gov/isda/2337.htm.