08/09/13 State Representative Tim Harman, a Republican from Bremen congratulates the Rans and Behmer families from Fulton and Marshall Counties for receiving the Hoosier Homestead Award. The awards were presented by Lt. Gov. Sue Ellspermann and Agriculture Director Gina Sheets at the Indiana State Fair yesterday.
The Hoosier Homestead Award Program recognizes families with farms that have been owned by the same family for 100 years or more. Fifty-four Centennial awards were given for 100 years of ownership, 15 Sesquicentennial awards recognized 150 years and three Bicentennial awards for operating at least 200 years in the Hoosier state.
The Rans Farm, located in Rochester, Ind., began in 1906.
The Behmer Farm, located in Plymouth, Ind., has been in operation since 1863. The Rans family received the Centennial award for over 100 years of ownership, and the Behmer family received the Sesquicentennial award for 150 years of ownership.
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.
“I am very pleased to see these two deserving families receive statewide recognition,” said Rep. Harman. “Their dedication to agriculture will leave a lasting legacy based on their diligence and hard work. I am honored to represent the Rans and Behmer families.”
Two award ceremonies are held each year – one at the Statehouse in February and one at the State Fair in August.
For more information on the Hoosier Homestead Award Program, visit www.in.gov/isda/2337.
