Fifty Hoosier families were honored with the presentation of the Hoosier Homestead Award by Lt. Gov. Sue Ellspermann and Indiana Agriculture Director Gina Sheets. Hoosier Homesteads are farms that have been owned by the same family for more than 100 consecutive years, and must produce at least $1000 worth of agricultural products per year or consist of at least 20 acres. The award ceremony took place on Friday at 1 p.m. in the North Atrium of the Indiana Statehouse in Indianapolis.
Among the 50 families slated to receive the award, one Marshall County family was recognized for their contribution to Indiana’s economic, cultural, and social aspects; the Filson/Bachtel Farm was established in 1904 on Hawthorn Road, north of U.S. 30. The farm was purchased by the great-grandfather of the award recipients, Kenneth and Michelle Bachtel.
Not only was Kenneth Bachtel’s grandfather born on the farm and lived there his whole life, but his mother was born there as well. When she married, the couple purchased the farm across the street and Bachtel ultimately purchased the family farm when his grandparents passed away.
Now, 109 years later, the farm is still in the family. To honor that, Ellspermann and Sheets presented the family and 49 others with the Hoosier Homestead Award to recognize the positive impact the farms have had on the Hoosier state.
For a full list of families honored, click here.
