“If rice is on the menu, I will order it.”

Not only does Kyle Schlenker enjoy eating rice, but he also enjoys growing it on his family’s farm in Cross County, Arkansas. A fourth-generation member of Riceland Foods, Kyle grew up watching his father Darryl raise crops like generations of Schlenker's before them. As a result, Kyle developed a love for farming rice, corn, and soybeans.

“I love watching the crops grow, driving the tractors, and constantly improving the farm year after year.”

After serving 17 years in the Agricultural Lending industry, Kyle returned home to begin raising crops on the land his ancestors farmed. With his dad's retirement upcoming, Kyle recognized the time was ripe for him to pursue his passion for farming and continue the family tradition.

Kyle knows a wave of change is coming for agriculture, especially producers. Much like Kyle’s dad, many farmers are reaching the age where they are looking to retire. Their retirement means many farmers are looking to the next generation to take over. However, Kyle feels the number of young and upcoming farmers is insufficient for this mass retirement.

“We need people to step up to the plate to grow our food.”

Kyle acknowledges he might not be where he is today without advice from his dad, help from faithful farmhands, and competition from friendly neighborhood farmers.

He recommends aspiring agriculturalists reach out to nearby individuals already working in agriculture. These individuals are actively looking to welcome newcomers into the industry.

Kyle and Darryl, thank you for your membership and commitment to growing with Riceland.

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