The Tománek Family Farm has had a name in the great state of Texas since 1907, when Joseph and Anna Tománek sailed from Czechoslovakia to Galveston, TX. In 1921, the family settled in Gilliland, Texas and raised eight children. Fast forward to 2016, when great-granddaughter, Sara Tománek Norman, decided to keep the name alive, introducing a new crop to the more traditionally-known wheat farm.
Growing up, Sara did not express much interest in farming. While her father, Joe, had always hoped Sara would return to the farm, he was supportive of her ambitions outside of the farm. But in the Summer of 2015…Joe received good news!
“A few years ago, I started spending more time with my Dad on the farm. It peeked my interest, so I started researching drought-tolerant crops on Pinterest,” says Sara.
Low and behold, lavender was just the key! “It turns out that lavender is a crop that can thrive in our environment.” Sara goes on to say that she proposed the idea to Dad, Joe.
I said, “Why don’t we plant 4/5 just to see…I made an extensive manual of my research, and Dad went with it!”
Less than a year later, Sara had proven successful with the introduction of her new crop. “In 2016, we planted 756 plants, built and greenhouse, and started selling our products at the local Farmers Markets.”
The Llano Estacado is thankful for the launch of Sara’s small business, as lavender hosts a plethora of healthful and healing benefits, such as reducing stress, improving brain function, and protecting against diabetes.
Among the many delightful products on hand, Sara admits, “The lavender brownie mix is a customer favorite!” Tománek Farms provides products, ranging from culinary, to body, to outdoors. “The smudge stick insect repellent is a top seller, as well as the bath milk.”
Get your healthy fix of antioxidant-rich lavender from Tománek Farms now! Products are available at Tumbleweed Botanicals in Lubbock, TX, or you can contact Sara via the website, Facebook messenger, or email at info@tomanekfarms.com.
As for the future of Tománek Farms: “We’re working on gluten free and dairy free products, like the brownie mix, and look forward to serving our customer’s needs! Come see us at the Lubbock Downtown Farmers Market!”
