2 Marshall County farms honored with Hoosier Homestead Awards at Indiana State Fair

Friday, August 21, 2026 at 2:30 AM

By Kathy Bottorff

8-21-26 Friday News 2:30 A.M. E-9

Two Marshall County family farms have been recognized with Hoosier Homestead Awards at the Indiana State Fair, an honor reserved for farms that have been owned and maintained by the same family for 100 years or more.

The Hahn Farm in Marshall County received a Centennial Award, recognizing 100 years of continuous family ownership, while the Watkins Farm in Marshall County received a Sesquicentennial Award, honoring 150 years of family stewardship. Both farms were honored at a ceremony at the Indiana State Fair and are represented by State Senator Mike Bohacek (R-Michiana Shores) and State Representative Jack Jordan (R-Bremen).

"Agriculture has played a crucial role in Indiana's history since our founding, impacting all aspects of Hoosiers' lives," Bohacek said. "I am proud of the Hahn and Watkins farms for receiving these awards because it shows the dedication and hard work they put in every day to provide for our communities and state."

"It's important that we take the time to appreciate the past, present, and future of our farm families," Jordan said. "Farming is a lot of long days, and these Hoosiers are working hard to keep our agricultural traditions alive and well."

The Hoosier Homestead Award Program was instituted in 1976 and honors families who have made significant contributions to Indiana agriculture. Since its inception, the program has recognized more than 6,000 family farms that have impacted Indiana's economic, cultural, and social advancement.

To be named a Hoosier Homestead, farms must be owned by the same family for at least 100 consecutive years and consist of more than 20 acres or produce more than $1,000 of agricultural products per year. The award distinctions are centennial, sesquicentennial, and bicentennial — for 100, 150, and 200 years, respectively.

To learn more about the program or to apply for a Hoosier Homestead Award, visit www.in.gov/isda.