By Shelby Shank
Field Editor
Colby and Ashley McClendon’s family has a rich history in farming and ranching, and today, they are building on that legacy by embracing innovation, sustainability and connecting their community to Texas agriculture.
The legacy dates back to 1887 when Colby’s family grew cotton and wheat and raised Hereford cattle.
In 2013, Colby took over the farm from his grandfather and became the sole owner and operator.
“I learned everything I know about farming from my grandfather,” Colby said. “And our children are the seventh generation to live on our family farm.”
Since they took over the farm, the McClendons have expanded it and the crops they grow. Their extensive row crop operation includes wheat, oats, sorghum, soybeans and corn.
They continually look for ways to adapt and implement climate-smart farming practices, too.
“We have evolved from conventional till farming to more minimum and no-till practices,” Colby said. “Soil health management is an incredibly vital part of a successful crop each year. We are constantly looking for new ways to improve our operation through soil conservation programs and utilizing agronomic data.”
They also started planting winter cover crops and legumes to help increase the yields of their spring crops, and Colby offers custom planting and harvesting to farmers in the area.
In addition, they raise Angus and Hereford cattle and sell their beef through their meat market located on the farm. This provides a unique farm-to-table experience for their customers.
“Our storefront is located on our farm adjacent to our pasture and barn,” Ashley said. “Customers come to our farm to purchase their meat and learn where their food comes from. It’s an opportunity for them to catch a glimpse of what goes into raising an animal and how important agriculture is in their community.”
Ashley is also an elementary school teacher and integrates agricultural education in her classroom lessons and activities.
“I am passionate about providing these experiences to my students to spark their interests in agriculture,” she said. “We are incredibly proud of our farming heritage and see it as our responsibility to carry out the legacy of those before us.”
Farming in Northeast Texas, however, doesn’t come without its challenges. The McClendons’ farm is in Collin County, an area of the state where urban growth is rapidly replacing agricultural land.
“In our area, growing rooftops is more common than growing crops,” Colby said. “When I took over the family farm from my grandfather, I saw where our county was headed. I knew I needed to be proactive in order to survive.”
Although the growing urban sprawl brings several challenges, the McClendons also saw it as an opportunity for their meat market and to engage their customers, as well as expand their custom hay baling business.
“I saw the importance of building a custom hay planting and baling operation due to the growing need for hay in our local area,” Colby said.
Colby and Ashley are also committed to serving others.
The couple are involved in Young Farmer & Rancher (YF&R) events and activities. Colby is on Texas Farm Bureau’s (TFB) YF&R Advisory Committee and serves on the Collin County Farm Bureau board of directors. He is also on the TFB Feed Grains & Oilseeds Advisory Committee.
The McClendons are active in their community and sponsor awards for the local FFA chapter.
Beyond their involvement in agricultural organizations and their community, Colby and Ashley believe it’s important to keep the land in agricultural production.
“We are always looking to grow, expand and honor the farming legacy that came before us,” Colby said. “Our goal is to grow a sustainable farm and ranch that can serve the needs of our ever-expanding community and educate our neighbors about the importance of Texas agriculture.”
Watch a video with the McClendons.
Outstanding Young Farmer & Rancher Contest
The McClendons are finalists in TFB’s Outstanding Young Farmer & Rancher Contest.
The contest recognizes young men and women ages 18 to 35 who are involved in agriculture but do not earn their primary income from a farm or ranch enterprise.
Information on the contest and TFB’s YF&R program can be found online at texasfarmbureau.org/YFR.
I do not your family but I’m a farm girl now a MiMi and I explain to grandkids how important a farm is. We raise Brangus/ angus cattle also do gardening and raise layering chickens. Have a couple of goats now maybe will get into goat raising…. I’m so proud you carrying on a family tradition. Keep up the good work.