Putnam County farms owned and operated by the same family for at least 100 years were recently honored with Hoosier Homestead awards.
"Farming is not an easy job, and to maintain a farm for 100 years or more in the same family is a remarkable achievement," said State Rep. Beau Baird (R-Greencastle), vice chair of the House Agriculture and Rural Development Committee. "These families are truly deserving of this recognition."
The Hubert L. McGaughey Farm, in operation since 1916, received the centennial award, and the Rissler Farm, in operation since 1829, received the sesquicentennial award.
"As someone who does a bit of farming myself, I know how hard this work is and how special it is for family farms to endure over multiple generations, and I'm grateful to see these family-owned operations recognized for their contributions to our communities and state," said Senate President Pro Tem Rodric Bray (R-Martinsville). "Family farms continue to serve an important role in Indiana's economy, and I'm pleased to congratulate our local awardees on these major milestones."
"It is always encouraging to see Hoosiers who are passionate about what they do, and it is that shared passion that has helped these farms flourish for over a century," said State Sen. John B Crane (R-Avon). "I am proud to serve a district with hardworking individuals like the Rissler and McGaughey families and I hope for their continued success in the years to come."
These farm families were among 103 awardees recently recognized at the Indiana State Fair for their commitment to agriculture.
Hoosier Homestead award ceremonies are conducted yearly in the spring and summer to commemorate farm families for their legacies and contributions to Indiana's agriculture industry. Since the program started in 1976, the state has honored more than 6,000 farms with this designation.
For more information on the Hoosier Homestead Award Program and to nominate a farm, visit in.gov/isda. Nominations for the March 2024 ceremony are due by Nov. 1.
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