Capital Farm Credit: A True Partner in Growth
In the waters of the Galveston Bay complex, Blake and Stephanie Branson have cultivated a new venture that combines their love for the ocean with sustainable farming practices. Lone Star Oyster Company was founded in 2022 and serves as the sixth cultivated oyster mariculture facility in Texas and the only oyster farm in West Bay.
The Bransons’ journey into oyster farming wasn’t born from a background in agriculture. Their passion for the water and a leap of faith led them to dive into this industry. With no previous experience in agriculture or finance, they faced a steep learning curve of starting a new business venture from scratch.
“We didn’t know the first thing about financing,” Blake said. “But through word of mouth, I was connected with Capital Farm Credit.”
From the start, Capital Farm Credit stood out for its customer-first approach.
“This was by far the easiest group to work with,” Blake explained. “One of the things I really like about Capital Farm Credit is that I’m not just a customer—I’m also a part-owner. Their success is tied to ours, and that makes all the difference.”
Sustainable Farming Practices
Lone Star Oyster Company grows about 400,000 oysters each year in floating cages placed in carefully chosen areas of Galveston Bay. These farmed oysters are not only an ecologically responsible choice, but also provide year-round availability for seafood lovers.
“Oysters are incredibly nutritious and have a low carbon footprint,” Blake said. “We care for our oysters year-round until they reach market size, unlike traditional oyster fishing, which involves dredging wild reefs.”
One of the key challenges for any new operation is ensuring the necessary equipment is up to task. Blake and Stephanie won the Capital Farm Credit GROW Your AgriRoots contest, designed to honor outstanding young, beginning, or small producers for excelling in agribusiness and community involvement within the ag industry.
“We used the contest proceeds to improve our boat and trailer, which are essential to getting our oysters from the water to the market,” Blake explained.
The Next Chapter
As they continue to grow, Lone Star Oyster Company plans to expand beyond the Houston area, aiming to bring their premium oysters to Dallas and Austin.
With the unwavering support of Capital Farm Credit, Blake and Stephanie are excited about the future. Together, they believe that with the right partnerships and a commitment to sustainability, their farm can thrive, and so can the waters of Galveston Bay.
