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 (TDA) 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.
“I can’t brag on these hardworking Texas farmers and ranchers enough,” Texas Agriculture Commissioner Sid Miller said. “Farm and ranch families comprise less than 2% of the U.S. population and these folks have been able to keep their family land in continuous production for over 100 years.”
To date, TDA has recognized more than 4,800 farms and ranches. Many of those honorees have been Texas Farm Bureau member-families. Click here to download a list of all Family Land Heritage honorees from the program’s inception in 1974 to present.
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.
Land enrolled in the Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) is eligible.
Families should submit their applications for recognition in the 2020 Family Land Heritage registry by May 1.
Click here for a list of frequently asked questions regarding the program.
Click here for more information and to download the 2020 Family Land Heritage application.
Each year, honorees are invited to attend a ceremony at the Texas Capitol to celebrate their family’s heritage and achievements.