From 1851 to Today: Northeast Indiana Farms Honored for Agricultural Legacy

Northeast Indiana’s farming families were celebrated this week as the state recognized their dedication and legacy with Hoosier Homestead awards at the Indiana State Fair. The long-running program honors family-owned farms that have remained in operation for at least a century, paying tribute to their role in preserving Indiana’s agricultural heritage.

Representative Ben Smaltz of Auburn praised the commitment behind generational farming, noting that agriculture remains a backbone of Indiana’s economy. Representative David Abbott of Rome City echoed those sentiments, pointing out that the award symbolizes the hard work, long hours, and sacrifices that farm families make to sustain their land and livelihoods.

Among the local honorees were the Carnahan Farm of DeKalb County, which has been in operation since 1917 and received the centennial award, the Kile Farm of Noble County, which began in 1875 and earned the sesquicentennial award, and the Simmons Farm of LaGrange County, in operation since 1851, which was also recognized with the sesquicentennial award.

State Senator Sue Glick of LaGrange highlighted the significance of honoring families who have worked for generations to grow the state’s economy while protecting farmland. “Honoring the years of hard work they’ve put forth is just one of the many ways we can thank them for preserving and strengthening Indiana’s agricultural legacy,” Glick said.

Senator Justin Busch of Fort Wayne added, “Indiana’s agricultural strength comes from the commitment of our state’s long-time family farmers. It is an honor to represent some of the farming families receiving these awards and I will continue supporting them so they can continue to grow and thrive in Indiana.”

This summer’s recognition included nearly 100 farm families across the state. Since the program began in 1976, more than 6,000 farms have been honored with centennial, sesquicentennial, or bicentennial awards. The Hoosier Homestead ceremonies are held each spring and summer, ensuring Indiana’s longstanding agricultural legacy remains both celebrated and preserved for generations to come.