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. Gary Byrne (R-Byrneville), State Rep. Edward Clere (R-New Albany) and State Rep. Karen Engleman (R-Georgetown), the Dorton farm in Harrison County received a Bicentennial Award and the Leonard C. Lemmel farm in Floyd County received a Centennial Award.
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.
“As a Hoosier Homestead recipient myself, I understand how much hard work and dedication goes into maintaining a farm for more than 100 years,” Byrne said. “It is no small feat, which is why I am proud to congratulate the Dorton and Leonard C. Lemmel farms for reaching this milestone.”
“The Lemmels and other local farmers deserve to be recognized for preserving their family’s legacy and business through generations,” Clere said. “It’s really incredible to think about all the hardships these homesteaders had to overcome in the last century and the perseverance it took to remain in operation.”
“We have relied on the hard work and dedication of our farmers to both help feed the state and grow our economy,” said Engleman, whose family farm has also been in operation for over 100 years. “Thanks to Hoosier families who have passed down their homesteads for generations, Indiana will continue to thrive.”
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.
