State Senator Brian Buchanan, who represents the region of Clinton, Boone, Hendricks and Montgomery counties, joined Representatives Beau Baird and Jeff Thompson to present two farms from Montgomery County with awards for their long-standing service.
– Photo courtesy of the Indiana General Assembly
Buchanan led the charge in 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, and this year’s recipients were Richard S. and Sandra K. Clouser Farm and Gentry Farm, both from Montgomery County.
The Clouser Farm received the Sesquicentennial Award and Gentry Farm received the Centennial Award. The Hoosier Homestead Award Program is a prestigious program that works to honor families who have made significant contributions to Indiana agriculture, and the award has been honoring family farms since 1976, resulting in more than 6,000 family farms being recognized for impacting Indiana’s economic, cultural and social advancement. Senator Buchanan shared more about the presentation to the two Montgomery County farms.
“Thanks to the hard work and dedication of family farms like these two, Indiana ranks as one of the country’s top agricultural states,” Buchanan said. “The longevity of both farms is a great example of the Hoosier work ethic, and I congratulate both farms for earning these great honors.”
Representative Baird echoed Buchanan’s statements, continuing to highlight the longevity that the farms have withstood the successes as well as the trials and tribulations that many agricultural workers experience.
“There are so many family farms in Indiana that have stood the test of time,” Baird said. “Their dedication and perseverance are commendable, and I’m glad to see these Hoosiers earn this recognition.”
Representative Thompson closed the remarks from the area legislators, expressing his amazement at the dedication and passion the two families have instilled in their farms for multiple generations.
“It’s an incredible accomplishment to maintain a homestead for over 100 years and a testament to the dedication, sacrifice and grit it took to make it happen,” Thompson said. “I’m thankful these Hoosiers continue to build on their family legacy and help keep our agriculture industry running 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.