An area couple has taken steps to ensure that its family ranch does not become a part of the working lands across the state that are converted for non-agricultural uses. Jimmy and Carla Ham have gifted their land in Gonzales County – about 685 acres – to the Luling Foundation Farm.
On their return, the couple looked at what they had and determined, with the help of others, what they needed to do. that they put their faith and trust in this legacy. It is important that the Foun- dation continues to serve the commu- nity and land owners in this area.”
The Hams wanted the land to stay in production, and felt that the Founda- tion would make sure that happened.
They took advantage of a lot of government programs that were “soil and land stewardship at work”. A lot of improvements were made over the years. Brush was cleared, cross fenc- ing was installed, improved grasses were planted, and ponds were built.
Board Chairman Gary Dicken- son said it is part of the Foundation Farm’s goal to let people know what’s going on in agriculture through events such as field days, and demonstra- tions. “We will work to continue ag- riculture education and to, hopefully, continue to open doors for others for years to come. We are appreciative of the Hams, and of their gift to the Foundation.”
The couple attended numerous pro- grams and field days at The Founda- tion over the years. Their main goal has been to make the ranch fully func- tional while maintaining its natural beauty. They found that information The Foundation has provided, and the demonstrations conducted there, have been very beneficial.
After a lot of work and time the Hams were able to turn the ranch into a very nice place.
The ranch, which has been in the Ham family for over 100 years, was originally 590 acres. Adjoining land was purchased, as it became available. The property is located on both sides of SH-304, contiguous to IH-10, ac- cording to Foundation Farm Manager Mike Kuck.
The couple has continued their la- bors of love these many years. That devotion paid off in 2008, when they were presented with the Conservation Rancher Award by SCS. The Hams are members of the Catholic Church in Gonzales; as well as the Texas Cattle Raisers Association, and the Indepen- dent Cattleman’s Association.
The family lived off the land, gar- dening and raising cattle. The Hams, lifelong Gonzales County residents, have used the same cattle brand since 1856. Jimmy remembers times past, when cattle was worked on horses, with dogs; not from four-wheelers.
The couple urges representatives to continue to share the Foundation Farm mission. “There are too many young people today that aren’t really aware that meat and vegetables are raised and grown. Those items don’t just automatically appear at the grocery stores,” Carla said. The couple also hopes that others will follow suit, and ensure that their land is kept in pro- duction. “It’s a good option,” Jimmy said.
The Farm was initiated under the premise that “nothing would be prac- ticed that any farmer could not follow on his own land”.
The family raised Polled Herefords, then crossed them with Black Angus. They ended up raising Brangus, and continued to run a cow/calf operation until recently.
The Hams want to thank Mike Kuck and the Foundation Farm Directors for their help in this transition.
It was Mr. Davis’ philosophy that “we must demonstrate how to make money. We may spend all our earn- ings and income on educational work, but the business part of The Luling Foundation would be kept on a mon- ey-making basis.”
After his father died, Jimmy and Carla moved back to the ranch (in 1989). Jimmy worked for Leif John- son in Austin for 49 years, and Carla retired from Texas Parks & Wildlife.
Manager Kuck said that the Foun- dation greatly appreciates the gift pro- vided by the Hams. “We are humbled
Today, the Foundation Farm em- phasizes Education, Cattle Opera- tions, and various other Operations/ Demonstrations.
The ranch, like other property in the area, is home to wildlife. There are white tailed deer, turkeys and, of course, feral hogs.
The Luling Foundation was estab- lished in 1927, by Edgar B. Davis; operations are determined by a seven member Board of Directors – two from Caldwell County, two from Gonzales County, two from Guadalupe County, and one member at-large. Those three counties made up the Foundation’s original service area. The Founda- tion’s services have, over the years, extended across the state. Numerous visitors from other countries have vis- ited the Farm.