Families of old, productive Texas farms, ranches recognized

By MONETTE TAYLOR | South Central Texas Edition

Cutline: Agriculture Commissioner Susan Combs (right) poses with Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Henley III of the T3B Cattle Company in Victoria who were recognized, among many of South Central Texas farmers and ranchers on March 19. The Henley's ranch was established in 1886. -- Staff photo by Taylor

April 1, 2004 -- On March 19, the LBJ Auditorium on the Austin campus of the University of Texas was overflowing with families and friends of farmers and ranchers who have kept land and ag production in the family for at least 100 years.

The 29th Annual Texas Family Land Heritage Ceremony organized by Texas Department of Agriculture (TDA) Commissioner Susan Combs, and her staff, with the help of various sponsors and contributors to the ag community, opened with a film by Ron Stone of Stonefilms of Texas Inc. depicting rural life in Texas.

"The best fertilizer (for land) is the footprints of the owner," cited Stone.

After the Pledge of Allegiance was led by state FFA area officers, the audience participated in a moving rendition of "God Bless America," led by singer/songwriter Dan Roberts.

The 2003 honorees included 116 farms and ranches from 70 counties, which, according to TDA, brought the total of honorees to almost 3,900 farms and ranches from 222 counties that have been recognized since the Heritage ceremony began in 1974.

Families in Ector and Garza Counties were recognized for the first time, this year. Other statistics about the Heritage Awards include: As of 2003, Fayette County in South Central Texas still leads the state with 122 properties receiving the awards in the past 29 years, followed by Houston County with 84 properties, Austin County with 82, and Gillespie, DeWitt and Medina counties tied with 77 properties, each.

"The families honored at the Family Land Heritage Ceremony have made an enormous contribution to the heritage of rural Texas and the history of Texas agriculture," Combs said. "The dedication of these families -- especially those who have kept their properties in continuous production for more than 150 years -- should be an inspiration to all Texans."

In 2000, the TDA began honoring farms and ranches that have been in families for 150 to 200 years. This year, there were six families/properties honored for the 150 year award: Voss Ranch in Bastrop County; Peebles Ranch in DeWitt County; 7F Ranch, Broad Axe Ranch and Rancho Solo, all in Refugio County; and Hess Ranch in Titus County.

According to the TDA, the celebration "... is designed to chronicle the unique history of Texas agricultural production and honor the contributions of Texas families to agriculture -- the state's second largest industry."

"Our earliest pioneers came here looking for opportunity, leaving behind political and religious persecution in other lands ...," said Combs, whose own family settled in Texas ag in 1859.

Although there are specific requirements to qualify for the awards, the basic requirement is that "the land must have been in continuous agricultural production by members of the same family for 100 years or more. Family can include relatives by blood, marriage or adoption," according to the TDA.

For applications or questions, contact Melissa Blair at 512-463-263l; P.O. Box 12847, Austin, Texas 78711, or on the TDA website at www.agr.state.tx.us.