Edwards Family Ranches named 2009 Bill King Award recipient
The Edwards Family Ranches has been named recipient of the 2009 W.A. “Bill” King Award for Excellence in Agriculture. The award, named for the late Bill King, founder of the Fort Worth Farm and Ranch Club and longtime manager of the Southwestern Exposition and Livestock Show, recognizes a business or individual who has significantly contributed to the agriculture or agribusiness industry.
For generations, the Edwards family has been devoted to agriculture and raising cattle in Tarrant and neighboring counties. Established in 1848 by Lemuel and Elizabeth Edwards, the ranch was originally 640 acres when it became home to a newly established military post, now known as modern-day Fort Worth. Over time, the management of the ranch passed down through the generations and the ranch grew in size to eventually span across 7,000 acres. The Edwards Family currently manages properties in Fannin, Garza, Lynn and Parker Counties, as well as the original ranch in Tarrant County located on the Clear Fork of the Trinity River. Although only 850 acres remain of the original ranch, Edwards family members are devoted to maintaining the ranch’s historic significance through the development of the Edwards Ranch neighborhoods: Clearfork, Riverhills and Overland.
“The Edwards family has devoted tremendous leadership and support to Texas agriculture, setting a standard equaled by few for well over a century,” said Shanna Weaver, president of the Fort Worth Farm and Ranch Club. “This commitment and passion for agriculture, embraced by a cast of dedicated family members, will undoubtedly extend their family legacy for decades to come.”
The Fort Worth Farm and Ranch Club still operates as an independent facet of the Fort Worth Chamber of Commerce and is dedicated to the advancement of agriculture and agribusiness in Fort Worth. The Club is also devoted to local 4-H and FFA members through their support of the Tarrant County Junior Livestock Show and Domino’s Pizza Ranch, which educates local 4th graders in agriculture. W.A. “Bill” King was instrumental in the relationship developed between the Farm and Ranch Club and the Chamber, having served as the Chamber’s livestock and agriculture department head in the 1950s-60s.
First awarded in 1994, the 16th W.A. “Bill” King Award for Excellence in Agriculture will be presented at the Stock Show’s Livestock Appreciation Day Luncheon at noon on Jan. 22 at the Round Up Inn. The luncheon will feature Luther Beauchamp of Cheifland, Florida as speaker and seats can be reserved by calling 817-877-2400. Individual tickets are $60 and a table of eight is $480.
Go here for more information on the Farm and Ranch Club.