Local farms honored with Hoosier Homestead Award

Last Updated on August 21, 2026 by Cass County Communication Network

STATEHOUSE – 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. Stacey A. Donato (R-Logansport) and State Reps. Jack Jordan (R-Bremen), Ethan Manning (R-Logansport) and Heath VanNatter (R-Kokomo), seven locally owned farms were honored at the Indiana State Fair.

  • The Burdge farm in Fulton County received a Centennial Award
  • The Chism farm in Howard County received a Centennial Award
  • The Douglass farm in Fulton County received a Sesquicentennial Award
  • The Heiny-Liming farm in Cass County received a Centennial Award
  • The Jump farm in Cass County received a Centennial Award
  • The Wade farm in Cass County received a Centennial Award
  • The Wagoner-Kline farm in Fulton County received a Sesquicentennial 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.

“These seven farms are great representations of the hard work and dedication that makes up Indiana’s agricultural history,” Donato said. “It is amazing to see so many longstanding farms receive recognition in our community and showcase the strength and tradition carried through generations of Hoosier families.”

“It’s important that we take the time to appreciate the past, present and future of our farm families,” Jordan said. “Farming is a lot of long days, and these Hoosiers are working hard to keep our agricultural traditions alive and well.”

“These farm families are the foundation of our communities and our state’s economy,” Manning said. “Congratulations to each Hoosier Homestead Award recipient for preserving a legacy of hard work, resilience and stewardship. Their commitment to agriculture continues to strengthen Indiana and inspire future generations.”

“Across generations, these farm families have adapted to changing seasons, markets and technologies while remaining committed to feeding their communities and strengthening Indiana,” VanNatter said. “The Hoosier Homestead Award recognizes not only a remarkable family legacy, but also the lasting impact these farms have on our state’s agricultural heritage and rural communities.”

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 www.in.gov/isda.

Photos of the families who attended the event can be found here.

SOURCE: News release from Indiana General Assembly