Family has always been central to farming. From a child’s first tractor ride to their first turn driving the grain cart and finally graduating to the responsibility of running the combine, life on the farm is often measured in milestones of responsibility. Life events are scheduled around the rhythms of the seasons and memories are often recalled alongside stories of weather, markets and how the crop looked that year.
Even though the average American is three generations removed from the farm, the vast majority of farming operations across the country are family-owned. Whether land has been handed down through the generations or a first-generation farmer is starting out on their own, family is inseparably tied to agriculture. That connection has also shaped leadership in the wheat industry in Texas as volunteer farmer leaders have passed down not only farming expertise, but also their mission-driven leadership skills to the next generation.
The Harmon and Womack Family
From the very beginning, the Texas Wheat Producers Board and Association have had strong leaders who take time away from their operations to create a stronger wheat industry. When the board was established in 1971, Otis Harmon was elected as one of the first directors, a position he held until 1994. A Tulia native, Otis grew wheat, cotton and grain sorghum, raised cattle and was a partner in the Tulia Feedlot. Otis was a strong leader among his peers on the board, serving multiple leadership roles for the board and association.
When Otis resigned in 1994, his son-in-law, Tommy Womack was appointed by the remaining directors to fill the vacant board seat. Tommy farmed with Otis and grew his own operation, raising wheat, sorghum seed, dryland sorghum, cotton, hay and cattle. His leadership record was equally extensive, serving as an officer at both the state and national level, including a term as president of the National Association of Wheat Growers in 2003.
Today, the Womack family’s third generation continues the legacy. Inspired by his father’s and grandfather’s service to the wheat industry, Eddie Womack joined the Texas Wheat Producers Board and Association in 2023. A fourth-generation farmer, Eddie brings with him 37 years of service with the Farm Service Agency, where he helped shape farm programs nationwide and trained countless employees. He also represents Texas producers as a director for the National Association of Wheat Growers.
“The Texas Wheat Producers organization was part of our family,” Eddie said. “It was something talked about at the breakfast, lunch and dinner table. I grew up hearing how important Texas Wheat and the National Association of Wheat Growers was, and I saw firsthand the benefits we provided to producers.”
The Norman Family
Across the state in Howe, the Norman family also built a legacy of leadership. Jack Norman proudly served 34 years as a director for both the board and association. Farming alongside his parents, brother, son and nephew, Jack raised wheat, corn and grain sorghum in Grayson and Fannin Counties. He was well respected for his production, marketing strategies and conservation practices. Jack also represented wheat producers internationally, participating in trade teams and helping expand access to foreign markets. He served many years as a board member of the National Association of Wheat Growers.
When Jack retired from the board in 2019, his grandson Tyler Norman, also a farmer in Howe, was elected by his fellow producers in district IV to step into the role. Tyler now serves as secretary/treasurer of the board.
“I was born and raised on a farm,” Tyler said. “And granddad was always going to the quarterly board meetings and traveling to D.C. Being a part of it to continue his legacy, that’s pretty surreal.”
Tyler grows wheat and corn, raises cattle, and is now raising the fifth generation of Normans on the family farm.
The Kendrick Family
Ken Kendrick, of Stratford, was a founding member of the Texas Wheat Producers Association and served as the first secretary before later serving as president. Recognized as a national leader and strong advocate for the wheat industry, Ken helped build and expand organizations that strengthened wheat’s role in U.S. and international markets including the National Association of Wheat Growers and Great Plains Wheat, Inc.
Ken was selected by his peers to serve as the first chairman of the Texas Wheat Producers Board, a role he maintained until 1975. When Ken and his wife retired in 1979, his son, Cagle, stepped in to finish his father’s term on the board. Following in Ken’s footsteps, Cagle went on to serve as a director for both the board and association for 33 years. During his tenure, Cagle served in leadership positions for both organizations.
The Kendrick family grew dryland wheat and raised stocker cattle. With a background in computer science and mathematics, Cagle consulted with area farmers and businesses on integrating computers into their operations and bookkeeping, and even taught advanced math at Stratford High School part time. Today, Cagle is retired from farming, but the Kendrick legacy of leadership remains an important part of Texas Wheat history.
A Lasting Legacy
Stories like the Harmons, Womacks, Normans and Kendricks illustrate the deep connection between family, farm and leadership. Even as agriculture evolves with new technology and new challenges, one constant remains: families and farmers are the foundation.
Today, 95% of U.S. farms are still family-owned. In Texas, these families are not only tending the land but also guiding the industry, ensuring future generations of farmers inherit both strong fields and strong voices. Their legacies remind us that servant leadership is often a family tradition.
