<b>By SARAH AUBREY<br>
Indiana Correspondent</b></p><p>

INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. — Lt. Gov, Becky Skillman and Indiana Agriculture Director Andy Miller congratulated 21 Indiana families last week with the Hoosier Homestead Awards.<br>
Families were honored in the South Atrium of the statehouse on Feb. 27 as caretakers of land remaining in the same family for at least 100 consecutive years. To be a Hoosier Homestead, the farm must be 20 acres or larger and produce more than $1,000 of agricultural goods annually. Several families had handed down farms for more than 150 years.<br>
“The Hoosier Homestead farms have no doubt changed dramatically through the years, but one thing has not changed – the families’ commitment to agriculture and stewardship of the family farm. That’s why it’s critical we recognize the historic value and importance of these farms,” said Skillman.<br>
“The next 100 years look even more exciting than the last,” began Miller in his opening remarks. “When we think about growth, the opportunities are endless.”<br>
“It’s just really neat that the state does this,” said Bruce Waibel of Remington, in Benton County.<br>
He attended with his wife, Judy, and his parents, Harold and Arleta. The family raises corn and soybeans with Bruce’s brother, Brent, and his wife, Heather. Other siblings Duane and Sonia round out the current generation of a farm family that has been on its land since 1907.<br>
“We didn’t expect all this,” Harold enthusiastically said, meaning the formal awards presentation at the statehouse.<br>
All families also receive a large certificate and a metal sign to post outside.<br>
“It’s quite an honor that being a small farm, we’ve been able to keep it,” noted Leanne Busick of Decatur, in Adams County.
“We’re happy to keep this in the family for 150 years,” added her husband, Dale, a descendent of German immigrants who came to Adams County by way of Cincinnati, Ohio, and whose legacy has lasted 157 years on the same plot of earth.<br>
The Busicks and daughters Janet, Karmen and Denise and son, Rodney, attended; daughter Machelle was unable to be present for the awards. The Busick family continues to grow around the farm, with 15 grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.<br>
Skillman said, “We are honoring you and your ancestors for your generations of hard work.” Though preserving history is important, she believes the families involved represent a positive future.
“We’re encouraged to see interest in agriculture by so many young people,” she said, scanning the crowd and noticing the variety of generations present. “The opportunities (for young people involved in agriculture) are far beyond what were available 30 or 40 years ago.”<br>
More than 4,500 families have been recognized since 1976.