The Key To Success

Diversification is often a key to agricultural success. Texas farmer Kinley Sorrells has fully embraced this concept – diversifying the products he grows and his marketing efforts.

When Sorrells Farms was founded in 1977, Kinley primarily grew pecans. Today he grows pecans, peaches, watermelon, cantaloupe, cucumbers, tomatoes and jalapenos with his son Gayland.

To ensure a consistent year-round income stream, Sorrells Farms includes a 100-head cow-calf operation.

Local Support

Kinley also sells pecans and produce to a large regional grocery chain and a number of local grocery stores. Supplying these local businesses is important to him because they gave him the encouragement to keep growing.

In 2006, Kinley established a retail store of his own, first on his farm and then moving to a dedicated storefront in a nearby town. In addition to freshly shelled pecans, the shop sells everything from roasted and flavored pecans to dips, salsa and jellies. It also includes a commercial kitchen that produces a variety of fudges and baked goods.

A Reliable Partner

Kinley has partnered with AgTexas for their financing needs, and he values a lender that understands agriculture.

“AgTexas has been a great source of credit. They understand my needs. They understand what I have to go through each day to bring something for you to eat to the table,” Kinley said.

Through good times and bad, AgTexas Farm Credit has been there for the Sorrells family.

“Today’s business climate – it’s pretty tough. I’m glad I’m partnered with them,” he said.