AUSTIN — Agriculture Commissioner Susan Combs announced that the Texas Department of Agriculture is seeking applications for the 2005 Family Land Heritage Program, which recognizes farms and ranches that have been in continuous agricultural operation by the same family for 100, 150 and 200 years. Since the program started in 1974, more than 4,020 farms and ranches have been recognized in 226 Texas counties.

“We must not forget our past,” Combs said. “There was a time when few buildings and roads could be seen on the Texas landscape. Instead, there were pioneer families, one after the other, homesteading on a great wilderness, building their homes and staking their claim to the land. This program recognizes these pioneers and the generations who have continued the farming and ranching heritage.” 

Farms and ranches that qualify will be honored during a ceremony in Austin in March 2006. The history of the farm or ranch will be chronicled in the 2005 Family Land Heritage Registry. In addition, honorees can obtain historic farm or ranch signage for their property.   

Program applications are available through TDA, county judges and on TDA’s Web site at www.agr.state.tx.us.  For more information, contact Family Land Heritage Coordinator Melissa Blair, Texas Department of Agriculture, P.O. Box 12847, Austin, Texas 78711, (512) 463-2631 or melissa.blair@agr.state.tx.us.