Local farmers recognized by Indiana State Fair, lieutenant governor

Local farmers are being recognized for their achievements.

The Indiana State Fair and Corteva Agriscience are announcing that two Bartholomew County farm families have been selected as Featured Farmers for this year’s state fair.

The Gelfius family farms, who produce tomatoes and pork, and the Arnholt family farms, who produce corn and green beans, were selected for recognition from Bartholomew County.

The Featured farmers program is in its fifth year and 17 farms will be celebrated at the fair. Fair visitors can attend a live chat with a Featured Farmer to learn about their operations every day of the Fair .

This year’s state fair runs from August 2 through the 18th.

Lt. Gov Suzanne Crouch recognized Hoosier Homestead farm families last week including two Bartholomew County and two Decatur County families.

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

In Bartholomew County, the Franke-Thompson farm was started in 1898 and the Robert and Barbara Pruitt farm was started in 1919. They both received the Centennial Award.

Also receiving Centennial Awards from Decatur County were the Fry family farm started in 1916, and the S&G Seeds farm started in 1918.