State presents Marshall County farm with Hoosier Homestead awards

The Stuntz-Bollenbacher Farm in Marshall County recently received Hoosier Homestead centennial and sesquicentennial awards for being in operation since 1869, according to State Rep. Jack Jordan (R-Bremen) and State Sen. Ryan Mishler (R-Mishawaka).

"Hoosier homesteaders have shown what it takes to be successful in maintaining a farm for generations," Jordan said. "Agriculture is deeply rooted in Indiana's heritage, and I congratulate these local Hoosiers on all of their hard work."

Farms owned and operated by the same family for 100, 150 and 200 years can qualify for centennial, sesquicentennial or bicentennial Hoosier Homestead awards.
"Agriculture has a significant impact on our economy, contributing an estimated $35.1 billion to our state," Mishler said. "I am proud to represent the Stuntz-Bollenbacher Farm and others who are dedicated to maintaining their family homesteads and continuing to carry on the Indiana tradition of farming."

This farm family was among 104 awardees recently recognized at the Indiana State Fair for their dedication to the state's agriculture industry. Hoosier Homestead ceremonies are conducted every spring and summer. The state has honored more than 6,000 farms since the award was established in 1976.

Visit in.gov/isda for more information on the Hoosier Homestead Award Program and to nominate a farm. Nominations for the March 2025 ceremony are due by Nov. 1.

During the ceremonies, six Indiana farms received the Bicentennial Award for 200 years of continuous ownership: the Thornburg-Caldwell-Slack family from Fayette County, the Hodges family from Morgan County, the Bridges-Royer family from Putnam County, the Dale & Donna Hartwell and Ricky W. Hartwell family from Rush County, the Bass-Rhodes family from Shelby County and the James W. Holmes, Jeffrey W. Holmes, Jason M. Davidson family from Tippecanoe County.

The following list includes the August 2024 Hoosier Homestead Award recipients.

For more information about the Hoosier Homestead Award program, please visit isda.in.gov. Photos from the ceremony are available here.