Family Land Heritage Ceremony Honors Hardworking Texans

Today at the Texas Capitol I had the great pleasure and privilege of recognizing Texans who have kept their family land in continuous agricultural production for 100 years or more. Among the 119 properties recognized as part of the Texas Department of Agriculture’s 36th Annual Family Land Heritage ceremony were six family operations marking 150 years and another celebrating an incredible 200 years. The amount of hard work and dedication that passes through generations in order to achieve such elite milestones cannot be overstated.



Without the commitment of these farming and ranching families who proudly carry forth their ancestors’ legacies, Texas agriculture would not be the world-renowned powerhouse of productivity that today generates $100 billion each year. Farming and ranching is tough, hard work. It requires tenacity in the face of adversity such as unpredictable weather, crop-killing pests and economic downturns. It requires grit, sweat and an exhausting, rise-and-shine, roll-up-your-sleeves work ethic.

Even if you haven’t lived the farming and ranching life, you can appreciate it from a different perspective – the next time you sit down for a meal or go to the grocery store, remember that hardworking Texas farmers and ranchers are the reason we all enjoy the safest, most abundant and most affordable food supply in the world. Now that’s worth celebrating!

Family Land Heritage Program Keeps Tradition Alive

During this Christmas season, I encourage all Texans to appreciate the value of family. The team here at the Texas Department of Agriculture has an excellent reminder as we are currently busy certifying applications for the Family Land Heritage (FLH) program. Last week was the deadline to submit applications for this year. The FLH program recognizes Texas farms and ranches that have been in continuous agricultural production by the same family for 100 years or more.

It is rewarding to honor those families who have worked the land for generations and have managed to balance the seemingly unending pressures of family businesses with the infinite rewards of family bonds. These individuals, along with their parents, grandparents and great-grandparents, have worked tirelessly through the years to provide Texans with life-sustaining food and fiber.

As we complete our certification process, it appears we will honor nearly 100 families at our annual, summertime FLH ceremony. I am excited because that is an increase from our previous ceremony. Thank you to those families who submitted their applications and continue to make Texas a powerhouse of agricultural production. I look forward to meeting you all next year when we hold our FLH ceremony at the Capitol.