By Emmy Powell
Communications Specialist

More than 140 Texas family farms and ranches were recognized for at least 50 years of continuous agricultural production through the Texas Department of Agriculture’s Family Land Heritage program, including operations owned by several Texas Farm Bureau (TFB) members.

TFB served as a title sponsor of the 2026 Family Land Heritage awards ceremony that celebrated the families who have kept their land in agricultural production.

“Texas Farm Bureau is proud to support the Family Land Heritage program and recognize the families who have dedicated generations to Texas agriculture,” TFB District 4 State Director James Foster said. “These families represent the commitment and hard work it takes to continue the legacy of family farms and ranches.”

The program recognizes families who have maintained their farms and ranches through generations of changing agricultural markets, weather challenges and economic conditions.

“Keeping a farm or ranch in the family takes hard work, sacrifice and a commitment to the next generation,” Foster said. “These families have overcome challenges and adapted to changes in agriculture while continuing to care for the land that has been in their families for decades.”

Established in 1974, the Family Land Heritage program has recognized more than 5,000 Texas farms and ranches. To qualify, a property must have at least 10 acres in continuous agricultural production for 50 years or more, with ownership traceable from the founder to the current generation. Owners must also be actively involved in managing the property’s everyday operations.

For more information about the Family Land Heritage program, visit texasagriculture.gov.