STATEHOUSE - State Representative Jud McMillin (R-Brookville) congratulates the McCormick and Swafford families who received the Hoosier Homestead Award from Union County. The awards were presented today by Lt. Gov. Sue Ellspermann and Agriculture Director Gina Sheets at the Indiana Statehouse.

“I would like to congratulate the McCormick and Swafford family farms for continuing the rich-tradition in Hoosier farming,” said Rep. McMillin. “I am honored to have these two farms in Union County which represent over a remarkable 300 years of service to Indiana agriculture.”

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 McCormick Farm has been owned and operated since 1909. Located in Liberty, Ind., the McCormick family was recognized for their hard work and commitment to agriculture receiving the Centennial Award.

The Swafford Farm was bought in 1812 and has been operated by the family since then. Located in Liberty, Ind., their farm was awarded the Bicentennial Award for their enduring dedication to agriculture.

“A major contributor to our state’s economy is Indiana’s agricultural community, and through the commitment of Hoosier farmers – like the McCormick’s and Swafford’s – the continued and future success of our state is imminent,” said Rep. McMillin.

The program began in 1976 to acknowledge the contributions 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.

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

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