Four local farms were recently recognized with Hoosier Homestead awards during a ceremony at the Indiana State Fair marking 100 years or more of family farm ownership:
- The Mehne-Harris Farm, located in Dubois County, has been in operation since 1891 and received the centennial award,
- The Johann Frederick Steinkamp Sr. Farm, located in Dubois County, has been in operation since 1841 and received the sesquicentennial award,
- The Arvin-Mauder Farm, located in Martin County, has been in operation since 1844 and received the sesquicentennial award,
- and The Mauder Family Farm, located in Martin County, has been in operation since 1914 and received the centennial award.
District 63 State Representative Mike Braun of Jasper says Indiana’s agriculture industry is a critical part of the local economy, generating more than $30 billion and employing 245,000 Hoosiers. Braun says it’s important to recognize these local farms for their contribution to the community and state.
The Hoosier Homestead Award Program recognizes farms that have been owned and maintained by the same family for 100 years or more.
Two awards ceremonies are held each year, in the spring and summer, to commemorate the achievements of farmers across the state.
