OUR STORY
How Specklebelly Farms Began
Specklebelly Farms took root in 2020, right in the middle of the COVID-19 pandemic. With grocery shelves empty and long lines becoming the norm, we found ourselves searching for something better—something fresher, local, and real. That search led us to farmers’ markets and small farms where food was grown with care and tasted the way it should. It wasn’t just the flavor that stuck with us—it was the connection.
We wanted to bring that connection home and share it with others. What started as a backyard idea grew into a full-fledged farm, built on the desire to give families access to fresh, responsibly grown food and the experience of picking it themselves.
As for the name? “Specklebelly” comes from the Greater White-fronted Goose, a regular visitor to our early fields in Eagle Lake—also known as the Goose Hunting Capital of Texas. These speckled geese became part of our story and a symbol of the land we love. So, we named our farm in their honor—Specklebelly Farms.
Our Mission: Bloom, Berries, and Better Food
At Specklebelly Farms, our mission is simple: grow good food and create meaningful connections.
We’re here to produce high-quality, seasonal vegetables, sweet thornless blackberries, vibrant cut flowers, and farm-fresh eggs using sustainable practices that care for the land as much as the people it feeds.
But beyond the harvest, we’re building a place where people of all ages can learn where their food comes from, meet their farmer, and leave with a deeper appreciation for the land. Whether you're picking blackberries with your kids or grabbing herbs for your restaurant, you're part of something real—and that's what we’re here for.
Sustainability: Growing with Purpose
We believe good food starts with good soil. That’s why we’re committed to sustainable farming practices that protect the land and promote long-term health—both for our crops and our community.
While we’re not certified organic, we follow many organic methods, including the use of cover crops, homemade compost, and pollinator-friendly plantings to enrich our soil naturally. We never spray glyphosate (Roundup) on our crops, and we focus on building biodiversity with every planting.
We’re proud to partner with Texas A&M and Stephen F. Austin State University on research trials that help us grow smarter and more sustainably under real Texas conditions. It’s all part of our commitment to leaving the land better than we found it—and giving you food you can feel good about.
Why Our Blackberries Are Different
At Specklebelly Farms, blackberries are at the heart of what we do—but not just any blackberries.
We grow seven varieties of cultivated thornless blackberries, carefully selected for their size, sweetness, and ease of picking.
Unlike Texas dewberries, which are wild, low-growing vines with sharp thorns and smaller, tart fruit, our thornless blackberries are bred for quality and experience. They grow upright on trellises, making them easier to harvest—no scratches, crouching, or digging through brush.
Here’s why we chose to grow thornless varieties:
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Bigger, Juicier Berries: Perfect for snacking, baking, or freezing
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Family-Friendly Picking: No thorns = safe and fun for all ages
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Longer Harvest Window: Ripen gradually from late May through June
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Consistent Quality: Grown with care using sustainable, low-spray practices
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Better for U-Pick: Easy access means more enjoyment and less frustration
We believe that picking your own berries should be a joyful experience—and our blackberries are grown to make that possible.
