"Every year I am so proud to meet our Hoosier Homestead winners. They

pass on so much more than just the family farm to each generation. They

pass on a work ethic and perseverance that has sustained their families in good times and bad for more than 100 years. That type of work ethic is why agriculture will always be a part of the fabric of Indiana," Indiana Lt. Gov. Becky Skillman said.

"The Hoosier Homestead ceremony is an important opportunity to publicly

recognize the Hoosier farm families who have contributed so much to our

state's heritage in agriculture," Indiana Agriculture Director Anne Hazlett said. "It is these faces and the businesses that they represent who have put food on the table for generations of Hoosiers to ensure the physical and economic well-being of Indiana."    

The Archer family joins more than 4,500 Hoosier Homestead farms. To be

named a Hoosier Homestead, farms must be owned by the same family for more than 100 consecutive years and consist of more than 20 acres or produce more than $1,000 of agricultural products per year.