The McFaddin-Ward House Museum will present “The Juicy Story of the Texas Citrus Industry,” a lecture by Dale Murden, Feb. 19, at 6:30 p.m. in the Museum’s Visitor Center Lecture Hall.
Murden, president of Texas Citrus Mutual, will highlight the rich history, current farming practices and future of Texas citrus orchards.
“I’ll be covering a complete history of the Texas citrus industry from A to Z,” Murden said. “I’m curious how many people even know Texas has a commercial citrus industry.
“If you’re a Texan, and you’re proud to be a Texan, you should know about the Texas citrus industry. The climate in south Texas allows for citrus to be grown in that area. We produce a grapefruit developed by Texas A&M scientists that is redder and sweeter than pretty much anything in the world.”
A fifth-generation Texan, Murden developed his “pure love” of the land and farming while growing up on his grandparents’ farm in Santa Rosa, Texas. He began his career in citrus right after high school and continued in the industry through devastating freezes, uncertainty and change.
“Farming is a freedom you can’t find in an office,” Murden said. “The ability to grow something and help feed a population is one of the most honorable things you can do. When you’re passionate about something and you love something, why not stick with it? I’ve had a lot of trials and a lot of tribulations – you can’t control the weather; you can’t control the prices – but I’m doing what I love.”
Murden has held numerous positions within the citrus industry. In 2014, Murden became president of Texas Citrus Mutual and its subsidiaries.
“It’s rewarding working to solve problems for hardworking people,” Murden said. “I’ve learned that anywhere I’ve traveled in the world, farmers are all the same. We love what we do. We share a common bond, regardless of race or nationality.”
The museum’s lectures are free and space is limited. Doors open at 6 p.m.
The museum is located at 1906 Calder Avenue in Beaumont.
For more information, call 409-832-2134.