Family Land Heritage Program

Texas Department of Agriculture

Commissioner Sid Miller

Family Land Heritage Ceremony

Frequently Asked Questions

The Family Land Heritage (FLH) program recognizes family farms and ranches engaged in continuous agricultural production for 100 years or more.  The FLH program began in 1974 and over the past four decades has honored more than 5,000 Texas family farms and ranches.  Every fall, TDA hosts a ceremony at the Texas State Capitol to celebrate and commemorate these special families who have passed down their proud agricultural legacy from generation to generation.  At the ceremony, the families are recognized by Commissioner Miller with a certificate and photo.  A commemorative program is created for the ceremony that includes family stories and historic pictures along with information and location of the property being honored.  Preceding the ceremony, TDA hosts a BBQ lunch on the Southwest Capitol Lawn for honorees.  Honorees may also obtain a plaque recognizing their property as a Family Land Heritage recognized location.

HOW DO I APPLY FOR THE FAMILY LAND HERITAGE PROGRAM?

You can visit the Family Land Heritage website, www.familylandheritage.com, to download the application.  Mail hand copies of the completed application, copies of supporting documents and photographs to Texas Department of Agriculture, 1700 N. Congress Ave. Austin, Texas 78701.  Email digital copies of the completed application, copies of supporting documents and photographs to: FamilyLandHeritage@TexasAgriculture.gov

Family Land Heritage Application

WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF THIS PROGRAM?

• Honorees are presented a certificate and are recognized at a ceremony in Austin.
• Honorees may purchase historic farm or ranch signage for their property.
• The property is documented in an annual registry available for purchase.

DOES A RECOGNIZED FARM/RANCH RECEIVE ANY TAX BENEFITS OR PROTECTION?

No, FLH program is a recognition program and does not provide any tax benefits or protection from eminent domain.

IS THERE A CHARGE TO APPLY FOR FLH RECOGNITION?

There is no charge to apply.

IF ACCEPTED, ARE ANY RESTRICTIONS IMPOSED ON THE PROPERTY OR IS IT OPENED TO THE PUBLIC?

The program does not require families to report any changes to TDA after receiving their recognition nor does it open the family’s land to the public.  The land cannot be in the process of being sold or leased during the year of recognition.

MY PROPERTY REACHES 100 YEARS IN DECEMBER AFTER THE MAY DEADLINE, CAN I STILL APPLY?

Yes, if the founder obtained the land and started agricultural production that same year.

DO OWNERS HAVE TO LIVE ON THE PROPERTY?

No, but owners are required to reside in Texas and be actively involved in the daily operation.

MAY I APPLY IF THE LAND HAS BEEN LEASED OR RENTED TO SOMEONE OUTSIDE OF THE FAMILY?

If the family has maintained at least 10 acres in continuous agricultural production with annual sales of $50 or more, they qualify.

IF THE LAND IS LEASED/RENTED TO A RELATIVE, IS IT STILL ELIGIBLE?

Yes, as long as the land meets all of the other qualifications.

IS LAND ENROLLED IN THE CONSERVATION RESOURCE PROGRAM (CRP) ELIGIBLE?

Yes, CRP land is eligible.

ARE ADOPTED CHILDREN ELIGIBLE TO APPLY FOR THE HONOR?

Yes, an adopted child who has received eligible land directly from a parent and/or relative may apply for the program.

DO ALL OWNERS HAVE TO SIGN THE APPLICATION AND APPEAR BEFORE THE COUNTY JUDGE?

No, only the person completing the application needs to sign the application and appear before the judge.  If that person is physically unable to appear before the judge, a family member may represent them and co-sign the application.

WHAT TYPE OF SIGNAGE CAN I PURCHASE FOR MY PROPERTY?

Light aluminum historic farm and ranch gate signs for 100, 150 and 200 years may be purchased.  Bronze markers made by a company identified by TDA may be purchased.

WHO CAN I CONTACT FOR FURTHER INFORMATION?

Please contact the Family Land Heritage Coordinator at (512) 463-7476 or email FamilyLandHeritage@TexasAgriculture.gov

ABOUT COMMISSIONER SID MILLER

Sid Miller is an eighth-generation farmer and rancher and the 12th Commissioner of Agriculture for the great state of Texas.  Commissioner Miller has devoted his life to the agriculture industry and supporting Texas producers and the communities they call home.  He is a businessman, rancher, community leader, forger ag teacher, and former school board member.  Commissioner Miller is a rodeo cowboy and holds 18 world championship titles.  He is an honors graduate of Tarleton State University in Stephenville, where he received a Bachelor of Science in Vocational Agriculture Education. 

Visit the Texas Farm Bureau for more information.