Longtime farms honored by state
Two homesteads owned by same Porter County families for more than 100 years
Two farms in South Porter County are being honored for their legacy of remaining in the same families for more than 100 years.
“I knew when I was 12 years old that was my passion,” said Ed Drazer, who taught agriculture in the Kouts schools until his own father retired and Drazer, now 69, was old enough to take over the family farm. “I just loved working outside on the tractors and being with the animals.”
The Drazer and Schultz farms joined 149 others across the state that received Hoosier Homestead Awards. The Drazer farm was founded in 1894 in Pleasant Township and the Schutz farm followed in Morgan Township in 1907; both received the Centennial Award.
To be named a Hoosier Homestead, the farm must be kept in the same family for at least 100 consecutive years and consist of more than 20 acres or produce more than $1,000 in agricultural products per year, according to a release from the Indiana State Department of Agriculture, which bestows the honor.
Since the program was established in 1976, more than 5,800 families have received the award.
Families were eligible for three different award distinctions. Based on the age of their farm, they received the Centennial Award for 100 years, Sesquicentennial Award for
150 years or Bicentennial Award for 200 years of ownership. Three families received Bicentennial Awards this year.
“To keep a family working and in the same family for over 100 years is a tremendous feat,” ISDA Director Bruce Keller said in the release. “Agriculture has always been at the core of Indiana and of these individuals. Recognizing our longstanding Hoosier farming families is always an honor.”
Like Drazer, Dick Schultz, who will be 69 on Monday, decided when he was very young that he wanted to take over the family farm. While Drazer majored in agriculture education at Purdue University in West Lafayette, Schultz majored in agriculture economics, going home on weekends to work on the farm.
“Growing up that way, I was hooked on it. I still am,” he said.
To qualify for one of the Hoosier Homestead Awards, Drazer and Schultz had to provide the original deeds for their farms, and documentation showing when ownership transferred to their grandparents, parents and then to them.
The recognition is a matter of pride, Schultz said, and Drazer appreciates the recognition, noting he will get a sign to display, similar to the ones he sees at other farms in the area.
“It’s neat to me,” he said.
Both farms have grown over the years as the families have purchased more land, though the original plots remain and both farmers have stories to share about their farms.
“For quite a few years we raised Orville Redenbacher popcorn. They were out of Valparaiso so it was a nice moneymaker for us,” Drazer said, adding he also used to grow peppermint but is now focused on corn, soybeans and cattle.
Schultz’s grandfather bought his first 80 acres of land in 1880 on an eight-year contract, selling it in 1891. Just over 100 years later, in 1992, “I bought that 80 plus another 40 back,” Schultz said, adding he also had an eight-year contract for the purchase.
He farmed hogs for 25 years, from 1976 to 2000, but now sticks to corn and soybeans. Schultz gave up the hogs when he was elected as township trustee and assessor, though the state did away with the assessor part of his job in 2008. He held the post for 16 years and is still on the board.
“It’s an easier job than hogs,” Schultz said.
Ownership of the family farm will end with Schultz. Neither of his adult sons is interested in continuing the legacy but a childhood friend of his son Jeff wants to jump in, Schultz said, adding when he turns 70 next year, he will begin phasing the friend into the operation.
Drazer’s farm will remain in the family for at least another generation. His son, Morgan, purchased land they rented for a long time and daughter, Stephanie Ford, purchased 50 adjacent acres and both are committed to continuing the family farm.
“My kids realize what it means to me and what a great place it is to grow up,” Drazer said, noting their appreciation of rural life. “It’s obviously a different lifestyle.”