For America’s 250 celebration, Texas Agriculture Commissioner Sid Miller recently announced an expansion to the Texas Department of Agriculture’s Family Land Heritage Program. In 2026, the program will recognize 50and 70-year-old farms and ranches as well as ones that are centuries old.
“For over half a century, the Texas Department of Agriculture has been proud to honor the heritage and spirit of our Texas family farms and ranches.” Commissioner Miller said.
“Their faith, self-reliance and grit helped shape our nation and continues to inspire us all today.”
The Family Land Heritage Program recognizes farms and ranches that have been in operation with the same family. According to the website, family can include those related by blood, marriage or adoption.
“We honor these families for their dedication to Texas agriculture. They are the brightest lights in the agricultural legacy of the Lone Star State,” Commissioner Miller said.
The requirements for recognition include maintaining and continuously operating 10 or more acres of land. They also require farms to meet the old U.S. Census’s definition of a farm with $50 or more annual sales. Farmers are required to provide proof of ownership through generations and trace ownership from the founder to present. “America’s independence was not secured only on battlefields,” Miller said. “It was built and sustained by generations of farmers and ranchers who worked the land, fed their communities, and passed down both property and values from one generation to the next. As our nation marks 250 years of independence, those families deserve to be honored as part of America’s story.”
Since 1974, those who apply and meet the requirements have been honored at an annual ceremony. This year’s ceremony will be at The Chandelier of Gruene on October 14.
The application deadline has been extended until June 30 for recognition of farms and ranches 50, 75, 100, 150, and 200 or more years old.
Applications can be found on the TDA Family Land Heritage webpage.