More Texas Farm, Ranch Families Eligible for Heritage Recognition in 2026

In special recognition of America’s upcoming 250th anniversary, the Texas Department of Agriculture (TDA) has expanded eligibility for the Family Land Heritage program for 2026.

For 2026, the Family Land Heritage program will welcome families who have owned and operated a farm or ranch as a going agricultural concern for 50 years and 75 years, in addition to those who have maintained their family heritage for 100, 150 years, 200 years, or more.

Applicants must meet all other standards for Family Land Heritage recognition:

• Your family must have maintained at least 10 acres of the land in continuous agricultural production since the farm or ranch’s founding. “Family” can include relatives by blood, marriage, or adoption.

• You must be able to trace ownership from the founder to the present generation.

• You must be able to substantiate ownership through generations with deed, wills, or other documents.

• The land must fit the old U.S. Census definition of a farm: 10 acres or more with agricultural sales of $50 or more a year.

Applicants must provide verification from their county judge. Owners must be actively managing the everyday operation of the property.

To accommodate this year’s new applicants, TDA has extended the application deadline for all applicants to June 30.

The Family Land Heritage Program was previously available only to families with farms in operation for at least a century.

For more information and for applications, visit https:// texasagriculture.gov/News-Events/Family-Land-Heritage