Buchanan: Local farms honored with Hoosier Homestead Award

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

STATEHOUSE (Aug. 20, 2026) – 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. Brian Buchanan (R-Lebanon) and State Reps. Becky Cash (R-Zionsville), Mark Genda (R-Frankfort), Jeff Thompson (R-Lizton) and Heath VanNatter (R-Kokomo), six locally owned farms were honored at the Indiana State Fair.

The Everett farm in Boone County received a Centennial Award
The Gray farm in Clinton County received a Centennial Award
The Harshman farm in Clinton County received a Centennial Award
The Horlacher farm in Clinton County (established in 1875) received a Centennial Award
The Horlacher farm in Clinton County (established in 1903) received a Centennial and Sesquicentennial Award
The McClaine farm in Montgomery 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.

"The agriculture industry contributes more than $35 billion to our state's economy each year, due in large part to family farms that have worked hard for generations to maintain their tradition," Buchanan said. "I congratulate these families for receiving this honor and thank them for all the work they put in each year."

"Indiana agriculture has always been rooted in family, hard work and a commitment to excellence," Cash said. "Hoosier Homestead recipients represent generations of perseverance and stewardship, and their dedication has helped make agriculture the backbone of our state's economy. It's an honor to recognize the families who continue this proud tradition for future generations."

"A majority of Hoosier land is agricultural, generating billions of dollars for our economy and employing families for generations," Genda said. "I am proud to recognize these hardworking farm families for their long-time dedication to one of Indiana's top industries."

"There are so many Hoosiers continuing the tradition in this state of running a family farm," Thompson said. "Through their efforts, Indiana remains a leader in the agricultural industry, generating billions of dollars in economic activity and providing food and other essentials for countless Americans."

"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.

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

State Sen. Brian Buchanan (R-Lebanon) represents Senate District 7,
which includes portions of Boone, Clinton, Hendricks and Montgomery counties.
Click here to download a high-resolution photo.

State Rep. Becky Cash (R-Zionsville) represents House District 25,
which includes portions of Boone and Hendricks counties.
Click here to download a high-resolution photo.

State Rep. Mark Genda (R-Frankfort) represents House District 41,
which includes portions of Boone, Clinton, Montgomery and Tippecanoe counties.
Click here to download a high-resolution photo.

State Rep. Jeff Thompson (R-Lizton) represents House District 28,
which includes portions of Boone, Hendricks and Montgomery counties.
Click here to download a high-resolution photo.

State Rep. Heath VanNatter (R-Kokomo) represents House District 38,
which includes all of Carroll and Tipton counties, and
portions of Cass, Clinton, Howard and Tippecanoe counties.
Click here to download a high-resolution photo.

Contact: Lance Gideon, Senior Press Secretary
Lance.Gideon@iga.in.gov
317-234-9221

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