Pictured, from left, are Indiana State Department of Agriculture Director Don Lamb, Bobbie Bates, Beth Stephens, Janice Leckrone, Susi Stephan, Lori Myers, and Lieutenant Governor Suzanne Crouch. Photo provided.

Press Release

INDIANAPOLIS — The family of Edward and Ethel (Cripe) Rautenkranz in Wabash County recently received a Hoosier Homestead Centennial Award recognizing their farm for being in operation since 1920, according to State Rep. Craig Snow (R-Warsaw) and State Sen. Andy Zay (R-Huntington.)

“There are many long days and nights, and a ton of sweat equity that goes into running a successful farming operation,” said Snow, a member of the House Agriculture and Rural Development Committee. “Our community is fortunate that this family continues to pass down their skills and passion.”

Farms owned and maintained by the same family for 100, 150 and 200 years can qualify for centennial, sesquicentennial or bicentennial Hoosier Homestead awards.

“Congratulations to the Rautenkranz Farm for their years of success and dedication,” Zay said. “I am proud to serve a district that contains hardworking individuals such as these dedicated farmers, and I look forward to seeing what this family continues to do for Indiana agriculture.”

This farm family was among 103 awardees recently recognized at the Indiana State Fair for their commitment to agriculture.

Hoosier Homestead award ceremonies are conducted yearly in the spring and summer to commemorate farm families for their legacies and contributions to Indiana’s agriculture industry. Since the program started in 1976, the state has honored more than 6,000 farms with this designation.