STATEHOUSE – Wells County farms owned and operated by the same family for at least 100 years were recently honored with Hoosier Homestead awards.

Located in Wells County, these farms were presented Hoosier Homestead awards:

• The Augustus Reynolds Farm, in operation since 1902, received the centennial award;

Pictured top left are members of the Reynolds family, Indiana State Department of Agriculture Director Don Lamb (left), and Lt. Gov. Suzanne Crouch. Top right are members of the Captain family. (Photos courtesy of Indiana Department of Agriculture)

• The Captain Farm, in operation since 1900, received the centennial award;

Pictured are members of the Captain family. (Photos courtesy of Indiana Department of Agriculture)

• The Graham Farm, in operation since 1873, received the sesquicentennial award; and

Pictured above is a member of the Graham farm.

• The Meyer Farm, in operation since 1910, received the centennial award.

Pictured above are members of the Meyer family.

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. 

“Hoosier homesteaders dedicate their lives to being part of something bigger than themselves, and maintain their family’s legacy and commitment to agriculture,” Rep. Matt Lehman said. “Thanks to their hard work, our communities and state are more vibrant and successful. It’s important that we recognize the vital role that agriculture plays in our daily lives and continue to support this key industry and those who make it possible.”

Farms owned and maintained by the same family for 100, 150 and 200 years can qualify for centennial, sesquicentennial or bicentennial Hoosier Homestead awards.

“To own and operate a family farm for over a century takes an admirable amount of dedication,” Sen. Travis Holdman said. “It is that kind of work ethic and devotion that makes Indiana one of the most recognized states for agriculture in the nation. I congratulate these farms for receiving the recognition they deserve for their work.”

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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