PRESS RELEASE

For Immediate Release:
October 19, 2023

AGRICULTURE COMMISSIONER SID MILLER HONORS TEXAS FARM AND RANCH FAMILIES AT 49th ANNUAL
FAMILY LAND HERITAGE CEREMONY

45 historic farms and ranches from 36 counties honored for their agricultural heritage

AUSTIN – In a celebration of agriculture and family heritage, Agriculture Commissioner Sid Miller and the Texas Department of Agriculture (TDA) honored 45 farms and ranches spanning 36 Texas counties at the 49th Annual Family Land Heritage (FLH) ceremony at the State Capitol yesterday. The ceremony recognizes Texas families who have kept their farms and ranches in continuous agricultural production for 100 years or more.

“Every Texan living today owes a debt of gratitude to the generations of Texas farmers and ranchers who have kept our agricultural heritage alive,” Commissioner Miller.  “The annual Family Land Heritage event recognizes those who have dedicated their lives to making the Texas agriculture industry the powerhouse it has become. It is because of them that Texas is the last best place. May God continue to bless them and the wonderful legacy they leave behind.”

Commissioner Miller was joined by Cowboy Entrepreneur Scott Knudsen as master of ceremonies. Cowboy poet and entertainer Red Steagall provided his trademark wit and musical accompaniment.
 

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

• Lee Ranch at Watterson in Bastrop County (Founded 1873)
• Wallace Farm in Bell County (Founded 1873)
• Gray Wynn Klein Ranch in Clay County (Founded 1873)
• Sanzenbacher Ranch in Clay County (Founded 1873)
• Carruth Farm and Ranch in Comanche County (Founded 1873)
• FHM Ellinger Holdings in Fayette County (Founded 1854)
• Three Oaks in Fayette County (Founded 1848)
• Kraus Farm in Gillespie County (Founded 1873)

Family Story: Sanzenbacher Ranch

Six generations have sustained the Sanzenbacher Ranch since its founding by German immigrant Johann “Uncle John” Sanzenbacher who arrived in America in 1847. Uncle John sought his fortune in the California gold fields before settling in Clay County, Texas. He ranched cattle and horses. The ranch now raises, cattle, horses, and hay.
 

With the generous support of our sponsors, no taxpayer dollars were used for the Family Land Heritage event. Sponsors include:

• Cavender's
• AirBox, LLC
• BNSF Railway
• Cornerstone Government Affairs, Inc.
• Texas Farm Bureau
• Wild Hive
• D. Augustine & Associates
• Capital Farm Credit
• Earthmoving Contractors Association of Texas
• McCoy's Building Supply
• Ranching Heritage Association
• Rolling Plains Crop Insurance Agency, Inc./Hargrove Crop Insurance
• Texas & Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association
• Kyle and Nicky Amos
• Farmers and Merchants Bank
   

For updated lists and maps of this year's properties, please visit our Family Land Heritage page.

For those interested in applying for recognition in the 2024 Family Land Heritage program, please contact the Texas Department of Agriculture or visit our website at www.texasagriculture.gov. 

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For media inquiries, please contact:

Maddison Jaureguito 
Director of Communications
Texas Department of Agriculture
(512) 475- 1669 (Office)
Maddison.Jaureguito@TexasAgriculture.gov

More TDA press releases are available at TexasAgriculture.gov/Newsroom