Land recognition

The Family Land Heritage Program recognizes farms and ranches that have been in continuous agricultural production by the same family for at least 100 years or more.

Applications are due Sept. 15 for farms or ranches established in 1908 or earlier that are still owned and operated by descendants of the founder either through blood, marriage or adoption.

The land also must fit the old U.S. Census definition of a farm: 10 acres or more with agricultural sales of $50 or more a year, or if less than 10 acres, sales of at least $250 a year.

Owners must reside in Texas and actively manage the everyday operation of the farm or ranch. If the land has ever been rented or leased to someone outside of the family, it will not qualify.

If only a portion was leased, and as much as 10 acres were retained in the family for agricultural production with sales of at least $50 annually, the property will still qualify.

There is no cost to apply for recognition.

For an application or more information, contact Michelle Sneed at (512) 463-2631 or write to P.O. Box 12847, Austin, TX 78711.

An application also can be downloaded from www.tda. state.tx.us under the Family Heritage link.

Beef course

Beef cattle producers from across the U.S. and other countries will converge at Texas A&M University to attend the Beef Cattle Short Course Aug. 4-6.

It is known for being one of the most comprehensive beef cattle adult educational programs available.

Almost 50 different university faculty and industry leaders from across the nation help for a very diverse and cuttingedge educational program.

The most popular part of the event is the Cattlemen's College, which features workshops devoted to specific topics. The format allows participants to choose specific workshops they are interested in.

The Beef Cattle Short Course annual Trade Show also is offered, with over 100 different exhibitors on hand to discuss a variety of products and services. For information on the course, phone (979) 845-6931.

Estate planning

Texas AgriLife Extension Service will present "How the new law affects ranch estate planning," a seminar set Aug. 6-7 at College Station Conference Center.

Dr. Wayne A. Hayenga of Texas AgriLife Extension Agricultural Economics Department will be the presenter.

Hayenga works extensively with farmers, ranchers and family-owned firms in financial, business and estate tax planning.

Cost is $125 per person, which includes refreshments, all seminar materials and lunch. Enrollment is limited. Reserve a space by phoning (979) 845-2226 or send an e-mail to s-wehring@tamu.edu.

USDA meeting

The United States Department of Agriculture will hold public meetings July 9-10 in Washington, D.C., to discuss issues affecting beginning farmers and ranchers.

The Advisory Committee on Beginning Farmers and Ranchers meetings will offer the public an opportunity to hear the committee's deliberations and to comment on issues affecting these farmers and ranchers.

Both meetings, which will be held at the Sofitel Lafayette Square Hotel, 806 15th St. NW., will begin at 7 a.m.