- Today
- Holidays
- Birthdays
- Reminders
- Cities
- Atlanta
- Austin
- Baltimore
- Berwyn
- Beverly Hills
- Birmingham
- Boston
- Brooklyn
- Buffalo
- Charlotte
- Chicago
- Cincinnati
- Cleveland
- Columbus
- Dallas
- Denver
- Detroit
- Fort Worth
- Houston
- Indianapolis
- Knoxville
- Las Vegas
- Los Angeles
- Louisville
- Madison
- Memphis
- Miami
- Milwaukee
- Minneapolis
- Nashville
- New Orleans
- New York
- Omaha
- Orlando
- Philadelphia
- Phoenix
- Pittsburgh
- Portland
- Raleigh
- Richmond
- Rutherford
- Sacramento
- Salt Lake City
- San Antonio
- San Diego
- San Francisco
- San Jose
- Seattle
- Tampa
- Tucson
- Washington
Frankfort Today
By the People, for the People
Indiana Seeks Historic Farms for Rural Preservation Award
Annual honor recognizes farms that maintain historic structures while continuing agricultural operations.
Mar. 11, 2026 at 3:06am
Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›
Indiana Landmarks and Indiana Farm Bureau are seeking nominations for the 2026 John Arnold Award for Rural Preservation, which honors historic Indiana farms that have successfully preserved their historic buildings while continuing to use them in modern agricultural operations. The award has recognized over 30 farms since it was created in 1992.
Why it matters
The award aims to highlight farm families who are committed to preserving the historic character and landmarks of rural Indiana, even as they adapt their operations for modern agriculture. This helps maintain the state's agricultural heritage and the visual identity of its rural landscapes.
The details
The application process asks for a brief history of the farm, descriptions of significant historic structures, and explanations of how those structures continue to serve farming operations and have been preserved over time. Applicants must also provide photos of the farm and its historic features. The winner will receive an outdoor historical marker and be recognized at the Indiana State Fair.
- The 2026 John Arnold Award for Rural Preservation nominations are currently being accepted.
- The winner will be announced and recognized at the Celebration of Agriculture at the Indiana State Fair in August 2026.
The players
Indiana Landmarks
A nonprofit organization dedicated to preserving Indiana's historic buildings and landscapes.
Indiana Farm Bureau
A statewide agricultural organization that represents the interests of Indiana farmers.
Stine-Anderson Family Farm
The 2025 recipient of the John Arnold Award for Rural Preservation, located in Clinton County, Indiana.
John Arnold
A Rush County, Indiana farmer known for blending progressive farming practices with a deep commitment to protecting the historic and natural features of the rural landscape. The award is named in his memory.
What’s next
The deadline for submitting nominations for the 2026 John Arnold Award for Rural Preservation is June 1, 2026.
The takeaway
The John Arnold Award for Rural Preservation highlights the important role that historic farms play in preserving Indiana's agricultural heritage and rural character, even as they adapt to modern farming practices. By recognizing these stewards of the land, the award helps inspire other farm families to follow their example.
