INDIANAPOLIS – Three farming families from our area were among 55 who received Hoosier Homestead Awards yesterday at the Statehouse in Indianapolis.

They were the Widney-Carpenter farm from DeKalb County established in 1836, the Foster-Oliver farm in LaGrange County established in 1881, and the Piper/McLallin farm in Noble County established in 1869.

To be named a Hoosier Homestead, farms must be owned by the same family for more than 100 consecutive years, and consist of 20 acres or more, or produce more than $1,000 in agricultural products per year.

“It takes hard work and perseverance to keep a family farm a continued success for so many years,” Indiana Department of Agriculture Director Bruce Kettler said. “This award is a testament to the resiliency of these farmers, as well as their longstanding commitment to Indiana, agriculture and family.”

Families are eligible for three different distinctions of the Hoosier Homestead Award, based on the age of the farm. They can receive the Centennial Award for 100 years, Sesquicentennial Award for 150 years or Bicentennial Award for 200 years of ownership.

Widney-Carpenter and Piper/McLallin received sesquicentennial awards and Foster-Oliver received a centennial award during Friday’s ceremony.