News Release

INDIANAPOLIS — Area legislators are recognizing the latest local recipients of the Hoosier Homestead Award, which recognizes farms owned and maintained by the same family for 100 years or more.

Represented by state Sen. Ryan Mishler, R-Mishawaka, and state Reps. Jack Jordan, R-Bremen, and Craig Snow, R-Warsaw, the Clindaniel/Clauss farm in Marshall County and the E&M Hollar farm in Kosciusko County were both honored with Centennial awards.

The Hoosier Homestead Award Program honors families who have made significant contributions to Indiana agriculture. Instituted in 1976, the program has recognized more than 6,000 family farms that have impacted Indiana’s economic, cultural and social advancement.

“Agriculture is incredibly important to our state, contributing more than $35 billion to Indiana’s economy,” Mishler said. “Farms like these are the reason Indiana is one of the top agricultural producers in the nation. I’m glad to see these family farms receiving the recognition they deserve for their generations of hard work.”

“Operating a farm is a lot of early mornings and long nights,” Jordan said. “The dedication of these families to their craft is truly remarkable and I applaud their efforts.”

“Farming is such a key part of Indiana’s rich history and economic success,” Snow said. “Our community is grateful to have these families who keep this tradition going strong.”

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. To learn more about the program or to apply for a Hoosier Homestead Award, visit in.gov/isda.