The family farm - over 100 years of pride and fullfillment

By MANDY SPIKES | Central Texas Edition

Wendall Crunk is proud of his family's 109 year old farm, which is located in Asa in McLennan County. -- Photo by Mandy Spikes

March 20, 2003 -- Crunk Farm, located in Asa, in McLennan County, is one of the many farms being recognized by the Texas Department of Agriculture for being under continuous (family) ownership for 100 years or more. Built in 1894, it has been a landmark in the small country town.

Wendall Crunk, owner of the 500-acre farm, is proud of his heritage and what the farm means to his family. "Originally, four people purchased the farm. My grandfather, W. C. Crunk, bought it along with his three brother-in-laws, W. C. Webb, E. J. Webb, and J. A. Webb," explained Crunk.

In 1894, the main crop raised in the area was cotton. Both his grandfather and father raised cotton on the farm, as well as other commodities. "I also raised cotton here, until it was not profitable.

"The farm is between two creeks and every few years the creeks would flood out the fields. Those were tough times, because many of the crops were washed out. I have since levied the creeks so that they won't flood anymore."

In 1965 Crunk opened his own farm supply company. He is also currently Asa's county commissioner, being elected in 1997. But, he still considers himself a farmer.

"Owning a farm gives you a sense of security. You know that nobody is going to run you off.

He stated that it has also made him a focused man, teaching him the importance of finishing a job. "It's a lot of hard work. You don't get to have holidays or weekends off. The job must get done and you can't stop until it is completed."

He states that everyone that lives or has lived in Asa knows of Crunk Farm. "People are always coming up to me and telling me that at one time either they or one of their family members worked for my dad. They tell me how great a man he was and how they appreciated him giving them a chance by giving them a job. It's great to hear that."

Crunk's main dream has been to own the farm that his grandfather started and his father continued running. His dream is about to come true.

"As of June 30, I will become the sole owner of the farm. I bought out all the other family's interests and inheritance. It's been in my family for 109 years, and I would like to keep it that way."

He said it was a long process to own his family's farm, having to go through many different heirs to have them sign their part of the property over to him. He adds that it takes hard work for a family to get along for 109 years.

"Essentially, it has been in the same family for all this time, because we are related by marriage. I want to keep the Crunk Farm going so that my wife and I can pass it on to our grandchildren, so that one day they can celebrate 200 years."