Source: Texas Department of Agriculture
In a celebration of agriculture and family heritage, the Texas Department of Agriculture honored 82 farms and ranches spanning 61 Texas counties at the 39th Annual Family Land Heritage (FLH) ceremony. The ceremony, held in the House Chamber at the Texas State Capitol on Thursday, Nov. 6, recognizes Texas families who have kept their farms and ranches in continuous agricultural production for 100 years or more.
“Agriculture is never easy or simple, yet it’s truly a rewarding way of life,” said Agriculture Commissioner Todd Staples, who presented the awards. “We face droughts, fires, floods and pests, but here in Texas, we persevere. I congratulate our honorees for preserving their ancestors’ dream and making Texas a leader in agriculture.”
Among the families honored today are four whose properties have been in continuous agricultural production for 150 years or more, including:
- Stephens Family Farm in Cherokee County
- Massey Home Site in Hood County
- El Paisano Ranch in Jim Wells County
- Christopher Williams Homestead, 5B Ranch in Titus County
To date, TDA has recognized more than 4,800 properties in 237 counties across Texas. To view the complete list of FLH properties honored this year, click here.
Cowboy poet and entertainer Red Steagall performed at Thursday’s ceremony, and longtime Texas journalist Ron Oliveira served as master of ceremonies.
The event was made possible thanks to a long list of sponsors, including our title, platinum and gold sponsors:
- Ag Workers Insurance
- Blue Bell Ice Cream
- Brookshire Brothers, Inc.
- Capital Farm Credit
- CHS
- Dow AgroSciences
- Freytag’s Florist
- McCoy’s Building Supply
- National Ranching Heritage Center
- Scotts Miracle-Gro (Title Sponsor)
- Texas and Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association
- Texas A&M Forest Service
- Texas Association of Dairymen
- Texas Crystal Water Company
- Texas Electric Cooperatives
- Texas Farm Bureau
- Texas Pork Producers Association
- Texas Poultry Federation and Affiliates
- Texas State Florists’ Association
- Texas Tea
- Texas Wildlife Association