Background:

Since 1974, The Texas Department of Agriculture has been looking for farms and ranches that were established in 1902 or earlier and are still agriculturally productive and owned by the same family.  Other eligibility criteria includes:

• Owner must reside in Texas and be able to trace the line of ownership form the first family member to the present, either through direct relatives or by marriage.
• The land must meet the old U.S. Census definition of a farm: 10 acres or more with agricultural sales of $50 or more a year; or if less than 10 acres, sales of at least $250 a year.
• The owner must work on the land or if they live off the land, they must be actively managing the everyday operation of the farm or ranch.
• If ALL the land has ever been rented to someone outside of the family, it will not qualify.  If only a portion is leased, and as much as 10 acres retained in the family for agricultural production with sales of at least $50 annually, it will qualify.

A ceremony is held each year to recognize the owners of the farms and ranches that are accepted into the Family Land Heritage Program.  Those who qualify receive a certificate of honor in the name of the farm or ranch.  They also can obtain a Texas Century Farm or Ranch sign to proudly display on their property, and the family's agricultural history is documented in the annual Family Land Heritage Registry.  There is no charge to apply for the program and no obligation to purchase historic signs or registry.

If you need more information about the Family Land Heritage Program or would like an application, please contact Melissa Burns at melissa.burns@agr.state.tx.us or (512)463-2631.  Applications are accepted each year, but the application deadline for each year is around November 15th.