Last Thursday we found ourselves sitting in the beautiful Texas Senate Chambers in the capitol, for the Family Land Heritage Ceremony. Michael and his sister, Mindy Looper (the amazing jam and pickle maker) were awarded the century farm award, which honors that the land that is now Homestead Farms has been in their family since 1889. Out of 91 family farms, our Homestead Farms was the only farm to be honored in Tarrant County, let alone with in Ft. Worth city limits.
The award and ceremony was hosted by the Texas Department of Agriculture, and the Commissioner of Agriculture, Todd Staples. As our Tarrant County farm was announced, Commissioner Todd Staples said to Michael, “Wow, that must have been hard to hold on to!” We hope that this certificate will help as our farm grows along with the big bad city.
It was so neat to be surrounded by other remarkably healthy and happy farmers, who have and will face the same struggles as us on a daily basis. Farmer Michael always says, “Farming isn’t a job or a career. It’s a way of life.” This couldn’t have been more evident on Thursday. I am so proud of Michael and Mindy for researching their heritage and they even found out that originally the land was granted to an officer who fought in the Texas revolution. As we celebrated the past 120 years, we couldn’t help but to wonder what our farm will be like when it receives the 150 year award, or even the 200 year award.
Congratulations! Its wonderful to have a heritage and to be a legacy all at the same time. Happy farming Michael and Sarah!
—Barb James
We are so happy for you guys! Ya’ll work so hard you deserve every minute!!!
First I would like to say how very proud I am of my baby brother for keeping the traditions of our ancestors alive today, and how excited I am to be a part of bringing our heritage to each of you. In 1889 our great great grandfather moved his family to a farm west of Keller, though he learned over the years that he preferred the city life, (When he retired from farming he moved his wife to the BIG city of Keller), his daughter Maude and her husband Claude Browning knew that farming this land would be their legacy to their children. Little did they know that 122 years later Michael’s desire to share that same legacy would push him to being the dedicated and hardworking man he is today. Not only does he stand for the beliefs and ideals of the men who farmed this land before him but he takes the time to teach those same beliefs with anyone willing to learn in hopes of making tomorrow a better place for our children to grow up. I can’t help but believe that our ancestors would be as proud of him as I am.
I Love You Michael!