By Jessica Domel

Driving down the rural roads of Comanche County, it’s almost easy to miss the vibrant green spears of asparagus growing in farmer Tommy Elliott’s fields. Their short stature pales in comparison to the peach trees blooming nearby, but that doesn’t affect Elliott’s appreciation for the crop or the care that they’re given.

All of the asparagus grown at Tommy Elliott Farms is hand-harvested by Tommy and his son, and they all originate from crowns planted deep beneath the soil when Tommy followed the advice of trusted Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Agent Whit Weems.

That gamble has paid off for the Hasse farmer, whose product sells out every time he takes it to a local market.

It goes to show that although smaller in stature than corn, wheat and other crops, asparagus can still bring a Texas-sized smile to both farmers and consumers’ faces.

Thanks, Tommy, for showing us your farm and your crop. We’ll think of you next time we’re enjoying flavorful spears of asparagus.

Click here to meet other Texas farmers through our Meet a Farmer video series.