COYANOSA, Texas —
One West Texas family has made a name for themselves after establishing their produce business out of Coyanosa, Texas. A small town made up of nearly 100 people.
But it’s where their renowned products such as the 'Pecos Cantaloupes' and other produce such as watermelons, onions, pumpkins and pecans are grown on the Mandujano Farm. Each product has a sticker labelling them as ‘Pecos Fresh.’
Behind the label are the three Mandujano brothers who own the 'Mandujano Brothers Produce'. The siblings grew up as farmers, helping their parents with their nearly 10 acre farm.
Their father went on to sell cantaloupes near the side of the road in Coyanosa. Mandujano sold the cantaloupes out of two buckets until it grew to become a stand. In 1997, the brothers joined a partnership to establish the business. As of 2024, the Mandujano Farm is made up of 800 acres of watermelons, 400 acres of cantaloupe and more.
Today, the Mandujano Brothers Produce Farmer's Market stands where the family's first took root.
"Our dad witnessed our growth," said Beto Mandujano, one of the three brothers that takes part in its ownership. "We're still growing, we're still expanding."
This year, their Farmer's Market doubled in size for visitors to have more room to shop for produce. According to Beto, visitors consist of past and present Coyanosa residents and people who make a point to stop and pick-up anything 'Pecos Fresh.'
"Our cantaloupes usually stay here in Texas," said Beto. "We've shipped our watermelons up to Canada to California to Portland, OR. Our onions sometimes reach Puerto Rico."
"Watermelons and cantaloupes grow especially sweet in Pecos County because of the deep sandy soils and arid climate," said Beto Mandujano.
The 'Pecos Fresh' produce can be spotted at some major supermarket chains.
"As long as we have the customer base and the work hands, we'll be growing our watermelons and cantaloupes," said Beto. He shared that the farming industry is a rollercoaster with unexpected highs and lows. "This year has been the toughest year."
According to Beto, their produce sales have decreased nearly 30% due to increased costs of transportation that in turn also affect the cost their products are sold for.
"It's a lot lower this year, but you know we're moving,' said Mandujano. "We're blessed to have good years since 2020 and that's what produce does. It just goes up and down, up and down. So, if you stay and you grow produce every year you have the good years with the bad years, but you have to stick with it."
July and August have proven themselves to be the busiest months for the Mandujano Brothers in years past. During the month of October, the Mandujano Farm opens its pumpkin and sunflower patch up for the public.
The Mandujano Brothers Produce Farmer's Market is located on 4955 Watermelon Row in Coyanosa, Texas.