Mesquite's Agricultural Heritage
Long before Mesquite became a busy suburb of Dallas, the land here was covered with cotton fields, cattle pastures, and family farms. The city was founded along the Texas and Pacific Railway in the 1870s, and agriculture drove the local economy for generations. While residential and commercial development now fill much of the city, the farming tradition lives on in the surrounding counties and in a growing movement of urban and small-scale growers who supply fresh food to local residents.
Consumer interest in locally grown food has surged in recent years. Mesquite families increasingly look for pasture-raised meats, seasonal produce, raw honey, and eggs from farms they can visit and trust. Restaurants and grocers in the region are also sourcing more from local producers, creating new opportunities for farmers within easy driving distance of the city.
How We Selected These Farming Companies
We focused on farms and agricultural businesses that serve Mesquite residents directly or through regional markets, with attention to product quality, sustainable practices, community involvement, and reputation. The list includes family farms, urban growers, marketplaces, and agricultural service providers that support the broader farming community.
The Top 10 Farming Companies Serving Mesquite
1. Ham Orchards
Located in nearby Terrell, just a short drive east of Mesquite, Ham Orchards is a beloved family-run orchard known for its sweet Texas peaches. Visitors come for fresh fruit, homemade peach ice cream, jams, and seasonal produce. It is a summer tradition for many Mesquite families and a great example of how local agriculture connects communities.
2. Bonton Farms
Bonton Farms is an urban farm in southern Dallas that grows produce and raises livestock while providing jobs, job training, and support services to its neighborhood. Its farm market and cafe offer fresh, healthy food, and its mission-driven model has earned it national attention. Mesquite residents support it as a leading example of agriculture serving social good.
3. Rehoboth Ranch
Rehoboth Ranch near Greenville raises grass-fed beef, pastured poultry, lamb, and eggs using regenerative farming methods. It delivers to buying locations across the Dallas area, making it easy for Mesquite families to access responsibly raised meat. Its commitment to animal welfare and soil health has earned a loyal following.
4. Lemley's Produce and Garden Center
Lemley's Produce and Garden Center in Canton is a well-known destination for fresh vegetables, fruits, and garden plants. Mesquite residents make the trip east for seasonal tomatoes, squash, and melons, along with starter plants for home gardens. Its long history and friendly service make it a regional favorite.
5. WE Over Me Farm
WE Over Me Farm at Paul Quinn College in Dallas turned a former football field into a productive urban farm. It supplies fresh produce to local organizations and helps address food access challenges while giving students hands-on agricultural experience. It shows how innovative thinking can bring farming back into the city.
6. Profound Microfarms
Profound Microfarms in Lucas, north of Dallas, uses hydroponic and controlled-environment growing to produce fresh greens and microgreens all year. Its produce appears in local restaurants and markets across the region. Mesquite chefs and home cooks value its consistent quality and freshness, even during the hot Texas summer.
7. Local Yocal Farm to Market
Local Yocal Farm to Market in McKinney is a butcher shop and market that connects consumers with Texas ranchers and farmers. It sources beef, pork, poultry, and other products from regional producers and emphasizes transparency about where food comes from. It is a popular destination for Mesquite residents who want high-quality local meat.
8. Dallas Farmers Market
The Dallas Farmers Market has been a regional food hub for decades. Its shed hosts farmers and producers from across North Texas selling seasonal produce, eggs, honey, plants, and specialty foods. For Mesquite residents, it offers one convenient place to meet many local growers and shop directly from farms.
9. Capital Farm Credit
Capital Farm Credit is a cooperative lender that provides loans and financial services to farmers, ranchers, and rural landowners across Texas. By financing land, equipment, and operating costs, it plays an essential role in keeping farms around Mesquite and eastern Dallas County productive and financially stable.
10. Cargill
Cargill is one of the world's largest agricultural companies, with major operations in Texas in grain handling, animal nutrition, and protein processing. Its purchasing and feed businesses give North Texas farmers and ranchers access to markets and inputs, linking local producers to national and global supply chains.
Trends in North Texas Farming
Regenerative agriculture is gaining momentum, with farms focusing on soil health, rotational grazing, and reduced chemical inputs. Controlled-environment agriculture, including hydroponics and vertical farming, is helping growers produce year-round despite extreme heat and unpredictable weather. Direct-to-consumer sales through farm stores, subscription boxes, and online ordering have also expanded, giving small farms more reliable income.
Water management is another critical issue. Drought cycles in Texas push farmers to adopt efficient irrigation, rainwater harvesting, and drought-tolerant crops. Farms that invest in these practices are better positioned to thrive over the long term.
How to Support Local Farms
Mesquite residents can support local agriculture by shopping at farmers markets, joining community-supported agriculture programs, buying meat in bulk from regional ranchers, and choosing restaurants that source locally. Visiting farms for seasonal events such as peach picking or pumpkin patches is also a fun way to connect with growers and learn how food is produced.
Final Thoughts
Even as Mesquite continues to grow, its connection to agriculture remains strong. The farms and agricultural businesses above represent the best of North Texas farming, combining tradition with innovation to deliver fresh, high-quality food to local tables.