Two longstanding Indiana farms have recently been honored with Hoosier Homestead awards, recognizing their multi-generational contributions to agriculture and the community. The Briggs Farm in Switzerland County, which has been operating since 1825, and the Connolly-Hartman Farm in Dearborn County, in operation since 1924, are the latest recipients of this accolade, a nod to the enduring legacy of family farming in the region. This distinction acknowledges the sustained effort to maintain farming traditions, often under the same family stewardship.
The Briggs Farm was proudly awarded not just one, but two of the highly prestigious awards — the sesquicentennial and the bicentennial — for staying operational for more than 200 years. Meanwhile, the Connolly-Hartman Farm was given the centennial award. This recognition serves not only to celebrate their history but also to quickly remind us how such institutions have laid down an indelible mark on the cultural landscape. State Rep. Garrett Bascom articulated the significance of these awards, saying, "These are hard-earned rewards, and these families should be extremely proud of this accomplishment," in a statement obtained by Indiana House Republicans.
The Hoosier Homestead award program, initiated in 1976, honors farms that have been owned and operated by the same family for 100, 150, and 200 years. The awards, presented in denominations of the centennial, sesquicentennial, and bicentennial, offer recognition to farming families that have contributed significantly both economically and culturally to the state of Indiana.
With agriculture playing a critical role in the state's economy, Indiana stands as the seventh-largest agricultural exporter in the United States. "It's thanks to generational farm families like the Briggs’ that we have been able to become such a strong agricultural state," said Maxwell, highlighting the vital contributions these families continue to make. According to the Indiana House Republicans, the ceremony at the Indiana State Fair was not just an event, but a significant moment to truly honor the 95 awardee families. Over the years, the program has recognized more than 6,000 farms, underscoring the deep roots and ongoing impact of agriculture in Indiana.
