Pulaski County's Bergdolt Farm Centennial Hoosier Homestead Award

Pulaski County's Heater Farm Sesquicentennial Hoosier Homestead Award

“The Hoosier Homestead ceremony at the Indiana State Fair is a prestigious event for all involved,” said Lt. Gov. Suzanne Crouch, Indiana’s Secretary of Agriculture and Rural Development. “It is a true honor to celebrate these families for their work and commitment to bettering Indiana agriculture.”

To be named a Hoosier Homestead, farms must be owned by the same family for more than 100 consecutive years, and consist of 20 acres or more, or produce more than $1,000 in agricultural products per year.

Based on the age of the farm, families are eligible for three different distinctions of the Hoosier Homestead Award. They can receive the Centennial Award for 100 years, Sesquicentennial Award for 150 years or Bicentennial Award for 200 years of ownership.

"Farming is a tough profession, and for a family to operate a farm for 100 years or more deserves recognition," said State Rep. Kendell Culp (R-Rensselaer). "As a farmer, I understand the hardships families can face and the determination it takes to keep everything running smoothly. I congratulate these families and wish them the best."

"Hoosier homesteaders have shown what it takes to be successful in maintaining a farm for generations," said State Rep. Jack Jordan (R-Bremen). "Agriculture is deeply rooted in Indiana's heritage, and I congratulate these local Hoosiers on all of their hard work."

"Indiana is well known for its large farming communities, which consistently work to provide for our state," said State Sen. Ed Charbonneau (R-Valparaiso). "I am proud to serve farms like these that are dedicated to maintaining and growing their operations. Congratulations to these families on receiving these awards."

“Keeping a farm operational for 100 years or more is something these families can take great pride in,” Lamb said. “Each of the awarded family farms continues to adapt and evolve through each new generation on the farm to ensure their success.”

Since the program's inception in 1976, nearly 6,200 families have received the award. Often, a Hoosier Homestead farm is easily recognized because most recipients proudly display their awarded sign on their property.

During the ceremonies, six Indiana farms received the Bicentennial Award for 200 years of continuous ownership: the Thornburg-Caldwell-Slack family from Fayette County, the Hodges family from Morgan County, the Bridges-Royer family from Putnam County, the Dale & Donna Hartwell and Ricky W. Hartwell family from Rush County, the Bass-Rhodes family from Shelby County and the James W. Holmes, Jeffrey W. Holmes, Jason M. Davidson family from Tippecanoe County.

Visit in.gov/isda for more information on the Hoosier Homestead Award Program and to nominate a farm. Nominations for the March 2025 ceremony are due by Nov. 1.

The following list includes the August 2024 Hoosier Homestead Award recipients.

For more information about the Hoosier Homestead Award program, please visit isda.in.gov.

ABOUT ISDA

The Indiana State Department of Agriculture (ISDA) reports to Lt. Governor Suzanne Crouch,  Indiana’s Secretary of Agriculture and Rural Development. Major responsibilities include advocacy for Indiana agriculture at the local, state and federal level, managing soil conservation programs, promoting economic development and agricultural innovation, serving as a regulatory ombudsman for agricultural businesses, and licensing grain firms throughout the state.