INDIANA — State Sen. Randy Head (R-Logansport) congratulated three local farms that recently received Hoosier Homestead Awards at the Indiana State Fair.

The Hoosier Homestead Award Program recognizes families that have made significant contributions to Indiana agriculture. The program, instituted in 1976, recognizes the impact these family farms have made to the economic, cultural and social advancements of Indiana. In the past 30 years, more than 5,000 farms have received the honor.

The farms in Senate District 18 recognized by this program include:

·       The Stevens-Apple Farm in Grant County received a Centennial Award.

·       The Shoemaker Farm in Kosciusko County received a Sesquicentennial Award.

·       The Weishaar Farm in Miami County received a Centennial Award.

“Indiana has strong agricultural roots, and the industry is a large part of our economy,” Head said. “Congratulations to these families for their hard work and dedication to farming. These awards are well-deserved.”

To be named a Hoosier Homestead, farms must be owned by the same family for at least 100 consecutive years and consist of more than 20 acres or produce more than $1,000 of agricultural products per year. The award distinctions are Centennial, Sesquicentennial and Bicentennial – for 100, 150 and 200 years respectively.