FINLEY, TENN. (RFD NEWS) — One Tennessee farm family is producing rice while keeping every step of the process in-house.
Tennemo Rice Family Farm & Mill is the state’s first and only family-owned rice farm and mill, operated by the Schultz family. The operation handles everything from planting to milling and packaging their own rice.
Carl Schultz says the family was searching for a profitable market and a way to make the most of their resources.
“We were looking for something different. It seemed like acres are not the way to base your future on, with the margins so tight. So, we were looking for something that we could raise on a smaller quantity and generate more cash.”
The farm has also received support through the Tennessee Department of Agriculture’s F.A.R.M. cost-share program. Tennessee Ag Commissioner Andy Holt says support has helped the operation grow and opened the door for other producers.
“The F.A.R.M cost-share was very influential, and really instrumental in helping them be able to accomplish this goal, that not only benefited themselves, but also other potential rice producers in this area,” Holt said.
Holt says the operation is unique and offers opportunities for diversification in the region, while also creating a more convenient retail outlet for locally grown rice.
The farm is also part of the Pick Tennessee Products program, which has promoted locally grown goods for more than 30 years.
