03/22/12 Lt. Governor Sue Ellspermann and Indiana Agriculture Director Gina Sheets will present 50 families with the Hoosier Homestead Award on Friday, March 22 at 1 p.m. The ceremony will take place at the Indiana Statehouse, North Atrium in Indianapolis.
One family in Marshall County will be honored with the award. Known at the Filson/Bachtel Farm, established in 1904, Kenneth and Michelle Bachtel are listed as the award recipient. The family farm is on Hawthorn Road just north of U.S. 30. The family farm was purchased by Kenneth’s great-grandfather in 1904. His grandfather was born on the farm and died while still living on the farm. Ken’s mother was born there and when she married they purchased the farm across the street. Kenneth purchased the family farm from the estate when his grandparents passed away.
To be named a Hoosier Homestead, farms must be owned by the same family for more than 100 consecutive years and consist of twenty acres or more or produce at least $1,000 worth of agricultural products per year. The award was created to recognize the contribution these family farms have made to the economic, cultural and social advancements of Indiana.
Click here for a complete list of families being recognized this year.
