Texas farmers and ranchers who have kept their land in continuous agricultural production for at least 100 years are encouraged to apply for the Texas Department of Agriculture’s Family Land Heritage program.
Eligible farms and ranches must be owned and operated by the descendants of the founder, either through blood, marriage or adoption. At least 10 acres of the land must have been in continuous agricultural production with annual sales of $50 or more for the past 100 years.
“Buried deep in the roots of our great state lays a rich agriculture heritage from the farmers and ranchers who came before us,” Texas Agriculture Commissioner Sid Miller said. “The Texas Department of Agriculture Family Land Heritage program acknowledges Texas families who have paved the way by dedicating their lives to agriculture. Family farms and ranches are the cornerstone to the success of our state’s agriculture industry, and without them, agriculture would not be the powerhouse that today drives a $110 billion Texas industry.”
To date, the Texas Department of Agriculture has recognized more than 5,000 farms and ranches. Many of those honorees have been Texas Farm Bureau member-families.
Owners do not have to live on the property, but they are required to reside in Texas and be actively involved in the daily operation.
Families should submit their applications for recognition in the 2022 Family Land Heritage registry by May 2.
If a farm or ranch has previously been recognized for 100 years and it still meets the requirements, owners can apply for it to be recognized again for reaching 150 and 200 years. A farm or ranch does not have to be recognized for 100 years to apply for the 150- and 200-year designation.
Click here for a list of frequently asked questions regarding the program.
To apply for Family Land Heritage recognition, download the application.
For more information on the program and eligibility, visit https://www.texasagriculture.gov/NewsEvents/FamilyLandHeritage.aspx.
Each year, honorees are invited to attend a ceremony at the Texas Capitol to celebrate their family’s heritage and achievements.
Texas Farm Bureau is a sponsor of the Family Land Heritage program.
For questions, contact Justin Rand at 512-463-9885 or Justin.Rand@TexasAgriculture.gov.