Commissioner Sid Miller Honors Historic Farms and Ranches at 41st Annual Family Land Heritage Ceremony (11/4/2016)

In a celebration of agriculture and family heritage, Agriculture Commissioner Sid Miller and the Texas Department of Agriculture honored 41 farms and ranches spanning 34 Texas counties at the 41^st Annual Family Land Heritage (FLH) ceremony at the Texas State Capitol on Thursday. The ceremony, held in the Senate Chamber, recognized Texas families who have kept their farms and ranches in continuous agricultural production for 100 years or more.

“The roots of agriculture run deep in Texas history, and the families we honored today are true pioneers,” Commissioner Miller said. “It is my honor and pleasure to recognize our Family Land Heritage honorees and their contribution to our state’s legacy. Making a living off the land has never been easy, and the success of these farms and ranches is a testament to the rewards of hard work, determination and commitment to land and family.”

Among the families honored today are three who represent properties that have been in continuous agricultural production for 150 years or more, including:

• Westbrook Farms in Cass County
• Salem Ridge Ranch in McLennan County
• Alexander Farm in Travis 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 yesterday’s ceremony, and award-winning weathercaster Jim Spencer served as the master of ceremonies.

With the generous support of sponsors, no taxpayer dollars were used for activities during the event. Platinum and gold sponsors include:

• Bayer CropScience
• Blue Bell
• Brookshire Brothers
• Capital Farm Credit
• Earth Day Texas
• Earthmoving Contractors Association of Texas
• Freytag’s Florist
• McCoy's Building Supply
• Texas and Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association
• Texas Tea
• The Scotts Miracle-Gro Company.

TDA’s Communications Office would be happy to assist media in scheduling interviews with honorees. Please contact Jennifer Dorsett for more information. B-roll footage is available here.