Hoosier Homestead Award

Hoosier Homestead Award

Of properties throughout the state of indiana.

For today's indiana farm report, i spoke to indiana's lieutenant governor (and secretary of agriculture and rural development about why this award is important.

I also spoke to a white county family who recently received the award.

" since 19-76.... the hoosier homestead awards have been given to families throughout the state of indiana.

Indiana's lieutenant governor (and secretary of agriculture and rural development, suzanne crouch, says the awards are given (twice a year at two different ceremonies.

Crouch "it isn't unusual for some family members to shed some tears and you will see many generations actually attend."

There are three different hoosier homestead awards families can receive, depending on how long the property has been in their family.

Centennial, sesquicentennial and bicentennial.

Crouch "it was put into place and created in order to recognize those hoosier families that have had farms that they have kept in their family for a period of 100, 150 or 200 years" in order to be named a "hoosier homestead" a farm property must be owned by the same family for more than 100 consecutive years (and consist of 20 acres of more... or produce more than 1- thousand dollars in agriculture products per year.

Crouch "those farmers who have kept those farms in their families for a period of 100, 150 or 200 years deserve to be recognized."

White county resident, shannon mattix, recently received the centennial award.

Shannon "so we hit our 100 year award, grandpa bought the property on march 3 1921" mattix's grandfather bought the property with 80 acres... mattix "grandpa started out with a one bottom plow and i actually have his horse hitch right here that hangs in the shed.

He farmed until the early 60's or maybe mid 60's."

Right now, the family cash rents roughly 60 of their 80 acres.... mattix "by the time i came around they weren't actively farming it, meaning dad and grandpa."

This picture right here hangs in the living room of the mattix's house.

It serves as a reminder of the history the 100-year-old family owned property has.

Mattix "the three homes that have actually been on this property since the 20's.

So grandpa and grandmas original farmhouse, and then my dad had a house as well, and then on the current location dad's house is partially underneath this house that we built here."

Mattix knows his grandfather and his dad would be proud of their property for receiving the centennial hoosier homestead award.

"it's a great way to recognize those family farms that have been at it forever.

Whether they're actively farming it or not, it's been in that family and a part of that family or all of those years.

Crouch says the signs that the hoosier homesteads receive, like the mattix family, serve as a special reminder.

Crouch "it is a way to really share with the community and share with people that really pass by that this is something that is important in indiana."

Right now the mattix family is creating the perfect spot to place the sign outside on their propety.

Crouch says the next award ceremony for 20-21 will be held at thendiana state fair in august.

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