BULLARD, Texas — For the family behind 1847 Farm and Ranch, preserving nearly 180 years of history requires more than maintaining the property. It requires finding new ways to keep the operation financially sustainable for future generations.
The ranch, which has remained in the same family since 1847, is currently operated by a sixth-generation family member. Today, four generations live on the property, with the family’s eighth generation already growing up on the land.
The family’s connection to the ranch spans nearly two centuries. According to the owner, the property has remained in continuous family ownership since its founding and has earned recognition as one of Texas’ oldest family-operated ranches. The family hopes to continue that legacy and eventually reach the 200-year milestone, a goal that guides many of the decisions being made today.
To support the operation, the family has expanded beyond traditional ranching and invested in produce production and value-added products. The farm currently grows cherry tomatoes, squash, watermelons and cantaloupes, which are sold directly to customers through local markets and community events.
According to the owner, produce sales serve two purposes: generating revenue and increasing public awareness of the farm and ranch.
“We’re always looking for ways to support and grow the farm,” he said.
In addition to fresh produce, the family produces homemade salsas and jams. These products allow the business to diversify its income while offering customers products made directly from farm-grown ingredients.
Diversification has become an important strategy for the operation. In addition to produce production, the family raises cattle and continually evaluates new opportunities that could strengthen the ranch’s long-term sustainability. Among the possibilities being explored is transitioning from selling calves to selling beef products, creating another potential source of revenue for the business.
The owners are also exploring additional opportunities to expand their reach. One idea under consideration is opening a storefront that would provide greater visibility for the farm’s products and create a permanent location for customers to purchase produce and specialty items.
The family has also discussed partnering with other local producers to potentially develop a cooperative farmers market, creating additional opportunities for area growers to market their products. The concept reflects the family’s belief that supporting local agriculture benefits not only their ranch, but the broader East Texas farming community as well.
While the business continues to evolve, the ranch’s history remains a central part of its identity.
According to the family, the property originated as a land grant awarded to an ancestor for service during the Texas Independence era. Since then, ownership has remained within the family, making it one of the region’s longest-running family agricultural operations.
Over the years, the land has been passed down through multiple generations, with family members working to preserve both the property and the opportunities it provides. Despite the challenges that come with succession and changing agricultural markets, the family has remained committed to keeping the ranch connected to its roots.
The property’s history is reflected in a house built in 1908 from a Sears and Roebuck catalog kit, which remains standing and occupied by a family member today. The home serves as a visible reminder of the generations who have lived and worked on the ranch and the family’s ongoing commitment to preserving its history.
Despite balancing ranch responsibilities with careers outside agriculture, family members continue working together to maintain daily operations. The owner, who works professionally as a financial controller, joins relatives in managing ranch responsibilities when away from his full-time career. Tasks range from caring for cattle and vaccinating livestock to growing produce, developing new products and exploring future business opportunities.
That shared commitment has helped the family adapt to changing times while maintaining a connection to the land that began nearly 180 years ago.
The owner’s long-term goal is to ensure that the ranch remains viable for future generations. By expanding produce sales, developing specialty products and exploring new markets, the family hopes to create a sustainable business model while preserving a piece of East Texas history.
For 1847 Farm and Ranch, growth is not simply about increasing sales. It is about creating opportunities that will allow future generations to continue the family’s agricultural legacy.
As the sixth generation works to position the ranch for the future, the eighth generation is already learning the value of stewardship, hard work and family tradition. Through produce sales, specialty products and future expansion plans, the family is building a foundation that they hope will carry the ranch well into its third century.
For 1847 Farm and Ranch, every business decision is made with the same goal in mind: ensuring that a family legacy that began in 1847 continues for generations to come.
