Local Farm Honored By Area Legislators

Local Farm Honored By Area Legislators

STATEHOUSE (April 5, 2022) – Area legislators today announced the latest local recipient of the Hoosier Homestead Award, which recognizes farms that have been owned and maintained by the same family for 100 years or more.

The Hoosier Homestead Award Program honors families who have made significant contributions to Indiana agriculture. The program, instituted in 1976, recognizes the impact these family farms have made on the economic, cultural, and social advancements of Indiana. Within the past 45 years, more than 5,800 farms have received the honor.

Represented by State Sen. Jim Tomes (R-Wadesville) and State Rep. Wendy McNamara (R-Evansville), the Kenneth and Mary Seebode farm in Posey County was honored at the Statehouse with Centennial and Sesquicentennial Awards.

“It’s very important we acknowledge the achievements of local farmers, as they are truly the lifeblood of our state,” Tomes said. “I congratulate the Kenneth and Mary Seebode farm for the incredible feat of operating for more than 100 years, and thank them for their hard work and dedication.”

“Longtime farmers, like the Seebode’s, are part of what makes our state great,” McNamara said. “Their perseverance and dedication for more than 150 years is an inspiration, and I wish them continued success.”

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.

Two Hoosier Homestead award ceremonies are held each year – one at the Statehouse in April and one at the State Fair in August. To learn more about the program or to apply for a Hoosier Homestead award, visitwww.in.gov/isda/2337.htm.