No rivalry here as the Mendoza siblings team up on their pecan and hay farm

Mendoza Farms in Ennis boasts about 150 pecan trees of different varieties, and much of that orchard's production is available for sale at the Waxahachie Farmers Market.

It was about two years ago that the Mendoza family acquired the 42-acre property, which has its pecan trees on about six of those acres.

“We’re still waiting for some of the varieties to be identified by Texas A&M University,” said Laura Mendoza, who co-owns the business with her brother, Norberto Mendoza Jr.

The two siblings have thrown themselves into their farm work, which involves not only year-round work and maintenance on the pecan orchard but also hay production on about 30 acres. They’ve chosen to grow their products organically and are applying for their organic certification with the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

“I can say they’re organically grown,” Laura said.

The siblings, often accompanied by their father, Norberto Sr., participate in the Waxahachie Farmers Market every Saturday and events such as Ellis County Poultry Trade Days and the Crossroads of Texas Go Texan Country Festival in Waxahachie.

“We split up if we need to,” she said of their efforts to get their products in front of the public.

Their range of pecan offerings is extensive, from those sold by the pound and still in the shell to shelled pecans to those fully prepared in one of the Mendozas’ six signature flavors. They make brittle and caramel candies, and they even sell the shells from the pecans they’ve processed for use as mulch.

“Everything gets recycled,” Laura said.

The farm came about as they were looking for some land so they could bring their parents up from south Texas. Although their mom has since passed, Laura shared how special times and memories resulted from the move.

“We had a good, close couple of years with everyone under one roof,” Laura said.

Since the beginning, the siblings have embraced the farm and what they’re accomplishing, and while their respective skill sets are different, they’re quite compatible for the venture. He has a background and master’s degree in agriculture, while she brings a background and master’s degree in business to what they’re doing. He runs the ranch full-time while she continues to work her job.

Looking to grow what they do, one of their next goals is to get their pecans into local grocery stores.

“I would love to be a supplier for them,” Laura said. “I think there’s a lot of opportunity.”

One of the things they’ve enjoyed with having a small business is the interaction it’s generated with the community.

“It’s fun meeting the people,” Laura said of Saturday mornings at the farmers market, which they joined during its 2024 winter season. “Once you get in here and you’re saying good morning to everyone, it just lifts your spirits.”

She encourages people to stop by the farmers market and support its vendors.

“We try to do that ourselves by supporting other local small businesses,” she said.

For more information, visit the Mendozas’ Facebook page here. The Waxahachie Farmers Market is located at 701 Howard Road and is open from 8 a.m-1 p.m. Saturdays.

Written by Jo Ann Livingston/In The Know Ellis.