Prosperity with peas
East Texas farmers harvest over 600 acres

By LYNN MONTGOMERY | East Texas Edition

Virginia Sides has devoted many years to farming. "The Pea Lady" carries in a bag of beans and peas at their market in Canton. -- Staff photo by Montgomery

July 14, 2005 - Hungry for fresh, purple hull peas? What about cream peas or blackeyed peas? Maybe some fresh pinto beans or butterbeans would hit the spot.

These fresh vegetables, along with produce from other East Texas farmers, can be found at Sides Pea Farm in Canton, where over 400 acres of peas are planted every year, with another 200 acres planted and harvested in the Lower Rio Grande Valley.

"We got some pretty peas," began owner Virginia Sides, who along with her husband Winford, have run Sides Pea Farm on FM 2909, south of Canton, since 1957.

So far this year, the Sides have "cultivated 50 acres right here and (we) are beginning to pick the first peas," Virginia said in late June. "This is the oldest field and it is deep sand. We could use some rain here for the blooms, but the other fields are holding up okay. We have blackeye, purplehulls, cream elite, Zipper cream, pintos, butterbeans, and Lima beans."

This summer, the Sides' grandson Brandon (foreground) is working at their farm and market in Canton. The various peas and beans are shipped to Dallas by truck for distribution. -- Staff photo by Montgomery

The other 400 acres of peas are spread throughout Van Zandt County.

The young-at-heart farmers have farmed all their lives. Virginia, 72-years-old and one of 14 children, stated, "The day I got married, I used a turning plow all day long and got married that night. I said I would never marry a farmer. I married the biggest farmer in Texas."

Today, the youngest of Virginia's siblings, Shirley (and her husband George), helps with the retail and wholesale business. Grandson Brandon also helps with the business, but he will be moving to Chicago at the end of the summer to eventually go to law school. Daughter Wendy also helps when she can, but runs a smaller market in town during the First Monday Trade Days event in Canton.

The "biggest farmer in Texas" that caught young Virginia's eye is now 77. Winford has had health problems and "can't do what he used to," his wife shared; but he still goes to the fields every morning to check on the peas.

"He tells us when to plant, pick, etc." Virginia said.

Seasonal workers are used during the picking season.

Picking in South Texas' Valley region is complete, but the East Texas harvest is just beginning for the Sides, with the peak season being July.

"People come from all over," Virginia said after a phone call from a person who was over 300 miles away. "I have customers from San Antonio, Austin, Houston ... all over."

Most of the buyers are repeat customers and have followed Virginia from her days spent at the Dallas Farmers Market.

"I had stalls at the Dallas Farmers Market for 33 years. I lived there the last part (of those years) but July 3, five years ago, I walked off the market and started working here," said the farmer known simply as "the pea lady."

"I'm proud to be called the pea lady. It's a good nickname," she said.

The nickname and the reputation of Sides Pea is greatly known. Each week on Monday, Wednesday and Friday, Brandon delivers fresh peas to companies in the metroplex.

"We have no trash in our shelled peas. I never let a pea go out of here with trash. If you find something in our peas, let me know and I will make it correct," she stated matter-of-factly.

Peas are sold in two-pint bags or a bushel-and-a-half bag. The larger bag retails for $30.

Demand for the families' peas is great, so individuals are asked to call (903-5677-2330) and be put on the waiting list. During the interview for this story, orders where already being taken for the next week.

Busy from February until almost frost, the Sides enjoy what they do and don't plan on retiring any time soon. And with the company motto, "We Aim to Please," the Sides family will continue pleasing with the next generation.

"I have a good time with my customers and a real good relationship. I wouldn't trade my life with anybody," Virginia concluded.