Brazos Pecan Ranch

Our Story

More than 50 years ago, the Funderburk Family planted an orchard consisting of improved varieties on approximately 20 acres. In July 2018, Josh and Paige Rowan purchased 58 acres in Falls County with a vision to restore this orchard.

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Restoring the Orchard

Work commenced the following year to clear the overgrown orchard. This work continued through 2020 and by the next year, first efforts to spray and fertilize the trees started under the direction of Chuck Harris, who would later be employed full-time by the Rowans in April 2022 to run day-to-day operations at the ranch. The first harvest for Brazos Pecan Ranch was held in 2022 with disappointing results.

The First Harvest

Information learned from the first harvest was shared with Texas A&M who provided additional advice on fertilization and pest control based on the identified pecan varieties on the property. Currently, we have multiple improved varieties on the property including Burkett, Schley, Stuart, Delmas, and Mahan.

What makes our crop unique

In addition, there are native pecan trees on the property as well. It is worth noting that several of the varieties on the property are no longer widely available in Texas, making our crop unique.

Our management team uses a standard orchard management system which is focused on improved varieties. We use nitrogen fertilization and at least one foliar zinc spray in the early season. Brazos Pecan Ranch uses alternate bearing to the greatest extent possible during the harvest season. The orchard is ideally situated adjacent to the Little Brazos River and has ideal soil for growing pecans.

The Future of Brazos Pecan Ranch

The 2023 harvest saw our production increase to nearly 2,400 lbs from 17 trees. This was a tenfold increase over the prior year. But, we believe the orchard has considerable upside potential and have additional improvements and plantings scheduled for 2024.

Our goal is to improve yields to 300lbs/tree across 35 trees to produce approximately 10,500 lbs. (There are currently 80 trees on the property which are available for harvest but are alternate bearing.) In addition to yields, Brazos Pecan Ranch is committed to producing a high-quality product with meat yields that consistently exceed 50%.

We approach farming & ranch with a generational approach

including our two sons (Palmer – 14, Brant – 10). Our ranch sustainably supports Texas agriculture while providing a positive, lasting impact to the local community and economy.

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