In a nod to the state's agricultural foundations, Kosciusko County farms have been spotlighted for their enduring presence on Indiana soil. The Hoosier Homestead awards, a token of recognition for family-owned and operated farms that have stood the tests of time for 100, 150, or 200 years, spotlight those who have fortified the state’s agricultural longevity and contributed significantly to its economy.
Representatives of the state, including State Rep. Craig Snow (R-Warsaw) and State Sen. Stacey Donato (R-Logansport), lauded the work of these farm families. "Farm families make Indiana a top contributor in agriculture year in and year out," Snow commented in a statement. This recognition is attached to their storied perseverance through plural decades.
Amongst the awardees, The Carlin Farm, established back in 1838, was decorated with the sesquicentennial award. Meanwhile, The Creighton Farm, tracing its lineage of operation to 1870, scooped up both the centennial and the sesquicentennial awards. Another iteration of The Creighton Farm, which dialed its commencement year back to 1922, snagged the centennial award themselves. The accolades were part of a larger ceremony at the Indiana State Fair where a total of 95 farm families were honored for their contributions and steadfastness in the agriculture sector.
"It's an honor to recognize the families in our community who have upheld Indiana's proud farming traditions for generations," Donato said. "Their commitment strengthens both our economy and our agricultural legacy." Since the inception of the Hoosier Homestead Award program in 1976, the state has acknowledged over 6000 farms. These farms are not simply part of the landscape but vital organs of the state’s economic and cultural identity.
To foster continued recognition, nomination forms for the upcoming March 2026 ceremony are available, and submissions are due by November 1. More information can be sourced from the Indiana State Department of Agriculture's website, with queries directed to [email protected] for potential nominees who wish to have their heritage and hard work formally acknowledged.
