Vanderburgh County farm honored with Hoosier Homestead Award

STATEHOUSE (March 26, 2024) – Area legislators are recognizing the latest local recipient of the Hoosier Homestead Award, which recognizes farms owned and maintained by the same family for 100 years or more.

Represented by State Sen. Jim Tomes (R-Wadesville) and State Rep. Wendy McNamara (R-Evansville), the Herman Wortman farm in Vanderburgh County received Centennial and Sesquicentennial awards.

The Hoosier Homestead Award Program honors families who have made significant contributions to Indiana agriculture. Instituted in 1976, the program has recognized more than 6,000 family farms that have impacted Indiana’s economic, cultural and social advancement.

“Our farmers are the lifeblood of this state and the heart of our economy,” Tomes said. “It is wonderful to see such a dedicated family farm in our community, and I congratulate the Herman Wortman farm on this achievement.”

“Family farms are such an important part of Indiana’s history and economy, and represent some of the best of what this state has to offer,” McNamara said. “I’m proud to see the Herman Wortman farm receive this recognition and wish them continued success in the years to come.”

To be named a Hoosier Homestead, farms must be owned by the same family for at least 100 consecutive years and consist of more than 20 acres or produce more than $1,000 of agricultural products per year. The award distinctions are centennial, sesquicentennial and bicentennial – for 100, 150 and 200 years, respectively.

To learn more about the program or to apply for a Hoosier Homestead Award, visit www.in.gov/isda/2337.htm. Photos of the event can be found here.