Deep Roots and New Shoots: A Day with Farmer Kyle at Farmers Rice Milling Co.
We recently sat down with Farmer Kyle, a dedicated Louisiana farmer who has been working with the Farmers Rice Milling Co. for over 30 years. As one of the key figures in Farmers Rice operations, Kyle has witnessed the evolution of the company and the industry firsthand. During our conversation while on the tractor plowing fields, Kyle shared his experiences, the changes in farming practices, and what it truly means to be a part of the Farmers Rice family.
Jelena Mitic: Kyle, you’ve been a part of Farmers Rice for quite a while. What drew you to work here initially?
Farmer Kyle: Well, I’ve been farming pretty much my whole life—I started working the fields with my family when I was 10 years old. I’m a 4th-generation farmer taking after my father, so farming’s in my blood. When I first became part of Farmers Rice over 30 years ago, it felt like an extension of that family tradition. What really drew me in was the community here. It wasn’t just a company; it was a place that valued the land and the people working it. Farmer’s Rice had—and still has—deep roots in Louisiana, and that really spoke to me.
JM: What role do you think Farmers Rice plays in supporting the local farming community?
FK: Agriculture is a way of life, and farming’s not easy—it’s unpredictable and tough work. But here, we all support each other, from the farmers to the mill workers. There’s a passion you can feel in everything we do, and Farmers Rice is no different. As a family-owned company that’s been in business for over 100 years, it’s deeply rooted in our culture to serve local communities. Farmers Rice really cares, not just about the people here in Louisiana, but across the whole region. Over the years, we’ve continued to grow our relationships within the local farming community. The company supports local farmers and is involved in donations and charitable efforts that help those who need it most. We’re not just about growing rice—we’re part of something bigger, supporting the backbone of agriculture in this region.
JM: Can you describe a typical day in your role as a farmer?
FK: Well, farming’s never the same day to day. You’ve got to be a jack of all trades. One minute, you might be fixing a busted pipe like a plumber, the next you’re welding something that’s broken in the field. Heck, sometimes you’re even fighting fires—literally and figuratively—or playing biologist trying to figure out what the land needs. If your tractor breaks down in the middle of the field, you can’t just leave it. You’ve got to fix it right then and there to get the job done, especially if you’re racing against the rain. It’s a job that keeps you on your toes, and you’ve got to be prepared for anything.
JM: How has working with Farmers Rice impacted your personal relationship with agriculture and farming?
FK: Working with Farmers Rice has made me realize just how connected farming is to everything. Rice farming, in particular, isn’t as simple as people might think. A lot of folks don’t realize that most of the rice’s life is spent in water. There’s a lot of sleepless nights, worrying about whether it’ll rain or if it’s raining too much. You might have to get up in the middle of the night to turn off the pumps and stop the fields from flooding. Every day, I’m out there checking the rice fields to see if they need more water, or if there’s too much and it’s risking drowning the crop. About 70-75% of the year rice fields are flooded, so it’s more like taking care of an aquatic plant. The more I work, the more I see how farming is a delicate balance—working with the land and water to make sure everything stays in harmony so we can have a great crop year.
JM: What are some of the challenges you’ve faced in your role over the years, and how has Farmer’s Rice helped overcome those challenges?
FK: The biggest challenge is definitely dealing with Mother Nature. You never know what each year will bring—could be hurricanes, droughts, floods, or even freezes. All of those things can seriously impact the crops and make farming unpredictable. At the end of the day, we’re at the mercy of the weather, and you can’t control that. Every year, you have to adapt and figure out a new way to tackle the challenges. Sometimes what worked last year won’t work this year at all. That’s something Farmers Rice has helped with—they encourage us to keep learning and adapting. They’ve always supported us in finding ways to improve and do better, no matter what the season throws at us.
JM: What do you hope to see for the future of Farmers Rice and for the generations of farmers and workers who will follow in your footsteps?
FK: Farming is a hub for innovation now, and I see it moving even more in that direction. Over the years, we’ve already seen a lot of advancements in equipment, techniques, and even technology like drones and precision farming. It’s exciting to think about how those innovations can help us farm more sustainably and protect the environment. I think future generations are going to benefit from the work that’s being done now, both in farming and research. Universities like LSU are always investing and the frontrunners in agriculture, and they’re helping to push the future of farming forward. It’s exciting to think that the work we’re doing today will set the stage for the next generation of farmers and help them be more prepared than we were.
Finishing Our Day in the Field
As the day drew to a close, it was clear that Farmer Kyle’s passion and dedication are as deep as the roots of the rice fields he’s worked on for decades. His experience not only highlights the value of hard work but also underscores Farmers Rice Milling Co.’s commitment to its farmers, sustainability, and innovation. Kyle’s story is just one part of the broader legacy that makes Farmers Rice Milling Co. a trusted name in the industry, and his insights show how tradition and innovation can coexist to build a sustainable future for American agriculture.