The Texas Department of Agriculture honored 119 farms and ranches from 79 counties, including one in Johnson County, at the 31st annual Family Land Heritage ceremony March 13 in Austin.
The Family Land Heritage Program recognizes families who have kept their farm or ranch in continuous agricultural production by the same family for 100 years or more. That includes the Hardin Farm, established in 1902 by Martha Irene and Robert Floyd Hardin of Burleson.
To date, more than 4,100 farms and ranches in 229 of Texas’ 254 counties have been recognized by the Family Land Heritage Program.
“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,” said Susan Combs, the commissioner for the Texas Department of Agriculture. “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.”
This marks the fifth year that the Texas Department of Agriculture has honored farms and ranches in the 150-year category. TDA recognized 15 properties that were established between 1832 and 1855.
Neal Spelce, a well-known Texas broadcaster, served as master of ceremonies. Country music artist Dan Roberts performed following the certificate presentation.
For an application or information on the Family Land Heritage Program, visit TDA’s Web site at www.agr.state.tx.us or contact coordinator Melissa Blair at 512-463-2631 or melissa.blair@agr.state.tx.us. Applications for farms and ranches established in 1906 and earlier are due by Sept. 15.
Marion Hardin was born in Kentuckytown in Grayson County in 1857. His last name was originally Harding, but at some time the “g” was dropped. Marion’s wife was Lura Amanda (Sharp).
On Oct. 11, 1902, Marion and Lura bought 205 acres. Forty acres were from the J.A. Renfro Survey, 145 acres were from the R.H. Brown Survey and 20 acres were from the William Reece Survey. The family raised hogs, chickens, beef cattle, horses and corn.
The farm stayed in operation throughout the early 1900s. Descendant Robert Floyd bought four acres from his father in 1954. In 1986 Floyd added five acres he bought from his brother Ray and his sister Gladys (Hardin) Gates. He raised corn, chickens and beef and dairy cattle but currently raises hay and dairy cattle.
In 2002 Floyd gave Bud an acre of land to plant black-eyed peas, which Bud sold to a local grocery store just like his father had done.
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