Messmer congratulates Dubois County farms for Hoosier Homestead Award

State Rep. Mark Messmer (R-Jasper) congratulated the Auffart, Langebrake-Bilderback, George and Willard Keller/Bobby Sunderman, Johanneman, and Seitz families from Dubois County for receiving the Hoosier Homestead Award. The award was presented today by Lt. Gov. Sue Ellspermann and Agriculture Director Gina Sheets at the Indiana Statehouse.

[box type=”info” size=”large” style=”rounded” border=”full”]The Auffart family farm was established in 1843; The Langebrake-Bilderback farm in 1901; the George & Willard Keller/Bobby Sunderman farm in 1908; the Johanneman farm in 1854; and the Seitz farm in 1887.[/box]

The Hoosier Homestead Award Program recognizes families with farms that have been owned and maintained by the same family for 100 years or more.

“The families that are being recognized from Dubois County are a shining example of Hoosiers’ dedication to agriculture,” said Rep. Messmer. “I commend them for being a part of Indiana’s vibrant and growing agriculture industry with years of family farming under their belt. They deserve our respect for their hard work.”

The program began in 1976 to acknowledge the contributions these families have made to Indiana agriculture. More than 5,000 farms have been recognized since the program was established.

Two awards ceremonies are held each year, in the spring and summer, to commemorate the achievements of the many outstanding Hoosier farmers across the state.

“All of these families have truly left an impact on Hoosiers across the state,” said Rep. Messmer. “Indiana was built on the hard work of farmers, which still remains a driving force for the state’s economy. I hope we have another 150 years and many more after that full of plentiful harvests and good fortune as they strengthen Indiana’s rich traditions.”

For more information on the Hoosier Homestead Award Program, visit www.in.gov/isda/2337.