C.T. Smith Co. est 1947

C.T. Smith Co. was established in 1947 by Carl T. Smith Jr. and was in continuous operation as a sole proprietorship until 1988 when it merged with Peas Inc. Peas Inc. was founded by Carl T. Smith Jr. and John V. Donaho, formed as a separate corporation to process raw product brought in by farmers. In June of 1982, C.T. Smith Jr. purchased Mr. Donaho’s interest and shortly thereafter, 1984, Carl Tasso Smith III joined the company. Carl T. Smith III has been President for 40 years and is happily joined by his daughter, Brooke Smith Balli, and son in law, Jose Balli. He is working closely with his successors to ensure a smooth transition and looks forward to his rapidly approaching retirement.

Peas Inc., dba C.T. Smith Co. specializes in dry edible cowpeas, better known as the “Southern pea” for the wholesale seed and food trade. We contract with farmers all over the Southwest and take pride in dealing solely in cowpeas. We contract over 20 varieties, some of which are heirloom varieties, all GMO free, each one delicious and unique to itself. With each year passing, purity waivers and growth habits can change. We assume responsibility to keeping cowpea seed pure and keeping a tight grip on as many varieties as possible. We have invested in a small plot research program that allows us to rogue through impure seed, study growth habits and investigate promising varieties lost throughout the years. Here at C.T. Smith Co. we eat, drink and sleep cowpea!