MEET THE OPERATORS
COLBY & ASHLEY McCLENDON
The owners and operators of McClendon Farms, carrying forward a legacy that began in 1887 - diversifying and growing along the way!
THE FARMERS BEHIND THE FARM
Colby and Ashley McClendon are the owners and operators of McClendon Farms. In 2013, Colby McClendon took over the farming operation from his grandfather - Ronnie McClendon, whose guidance, wisdom, and work ethic laid the foundation for success. Colby credits his grandfather with teaching him all the values of farming, while instilling in him a lifelong passion for agriculture. Together, Colby and Ashley established a clear vision: to grow and diversify the operation, honor their family's farming legacy, and raise their children with the same values of hard work and determination.
Together, Colby and Ashley have grown what was once a 300-acre operation into more than 2,500+ acres of row-crop production, a registered cattle program, a direct-to-consumer beef market, produce storefront and agritourism experiences that bring the community out to the farm.
Colby and Ashley McClendon currently live on the farm's homeplace with their 2 children - Clara Nelle and Campbell McClendon and their 3 dogs.
Colby McClendon grew up in the cab of a tractor here in Lavon, Texas, where his love for farming first took root and has continued to grow ever since. As a sixth-generation farmer, Colby knew very early on that he planned to dedicate his life to carrying on his family's agricultural legacy while embracing innovation and stewardship. Colby has grown his grandfather's 300 acre operation into a 2,500+ acre diversified operation that has expanded into new divisions. Today, he oversees all operations of McClendon Farms, including row crop production, the registered Black Angus and Hereford cattle operation, farm-to-table beef, fresh produce, custom farming services, and agritourism. His passion for agriculture extends beyond the farm as he works to advocate for Texas agriculture through numerous leadership positions in the community as well as the USDA, Texas Department of Agriculture and Texas Farm Bureau. Colby values educating future generations, and preserving the values of hard work, integrity, and service that have defined McClendon Farms since 1887.
Ashley McClendon's love of learning found its place in the field, where she combines her experience and passion for education with farming to connect, inspire, and serve her community. As a graduate of Texas Tech University and proud Red Raider - Ashley believes that the future of agriculture is cultivated not only through the crops that are grown and the cattle that are raised, but through educating others. Ashley oversees marketing and communications, customer relations, farm-to-table beef sales, storefront operations, shipping and delivery logistics, agritourism experiences, educational programming, and community outreach. She assists in expanding and diversifying the farming operation alongside her husband - Colby. Through storytelling, advocacy, and hands-on experiences, Ashley is passionate about connecting families to the people, purpose, and traditions behind Texas agriculture while helping preserve its legacy for future generations - including her children, Clara Nelle and Campbell McClendon.
GALLERY
LIFE ON THE FARM
WATCH
MCCLENDON FARMS ON VIDEO
FROM THEN TO NOW
SEVEN GENERATIONS OF STEWARDSHIP
W.W. Tollett was the first farmer that broke ground on the home place of McClendon Farms – and was the current operator’s great-great-great grandfather. W.W. Tollett was born in Arkansas and moved to Texas to work as a farm laborer in Collin County. He was a direct descendent of a recognized patriot of the American Revolution. On July 22nd, 1887 - Tollett and his wife purchased the original homeplace from R.L. Brown. With this initial property – Tollett was able to grow his operation from 100 acres to over 600. He raised cotton, wheat, hay and livestock with his wife and five children.
HERITAGE
GENERATIONS AT WORK
GET IN TOUCH
We love talking farming, beef, and life in Lavon. Reach out to Colby and Ashley directly by phone, email, or through our social pages.