State Rep. Ron Bacon (R-Chandler) and State Sen. Mark Messmer (R-Jasper) on Friday, honored a locally owned family farm for being in operation for more than 150 years.
The Kirby Baum farm, located in Spencer County, was recognized at the Statehouse with a Hoosier Homestead award for 150 years of family farm ownership.
In operation since 1860, the Kirby Baum farm received both centennial and sesquicentennial awards.
“There are more than 57,000 farms in Indiana with 97 percent being family owned,” Bacon said. “These farm families who are contributing to our economic success by infusing nearly $31.2 billion into our state’s economy, deserve recognition.”
“Agriculture is not only a big part of our community, but of our state as well,” Messmer said. “Farming creates jobs and provides food for Hoosiers across the state. Congratulations to the Kirby Baum farm on their dedication to agriculture and all the hard work they have put in to be successful.”
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 spring and summer, to commemorate the achievements of farmers across the state. For more information on the Hoosier Homestead Award Program, visit http://www.in.gov/isda/
