Rice Farm in Arkansas Exports Produce To China
A rice farm in Arkansas achieves its goal of exporting rice to China, one of the world’s leading producers of rice. The state is recognized in America for its rice due to it being the country’s leading producer of the grain.
Due to the efforts of the family-owned Ralston Family Farms, American rice is finally finding its way to China.
Exporting Rice To China
In 2018 the family-owned farm began cultivating rice, and things rapidly took off from there.
Tim and Robin Ralston, owner of Ralston Family Farms, stated that their objective has always been to expand statewide. However, they never expected their rice to reach China.
The owners claim that the farm delivered the first shipment of rice to be transported from Arkansas to China after receiving an email last July.
According to Robin, China reached out to the farm last autumn, and they were unsure if the transaction would happen. However, the development materialized over the winter.
“It’s a blessing to be able to have this with China and we hope it’s not just beneficial for our family but for all of Arkansans who farm rice,” he stated.
To fulfill the demand, the family claimed they are working on more shipments to China.
The Ralston Family Rice Farm
When asked what distinguishes their rice from other competition, Robin emphasized the meticulous nature of their family’s enterprise.
He explained that this is so they can tell you precisely what field it originated from when it was collected and what agricultural techniques were used in its production.
Tim and Robin’s ancestors came from Scotland, but they have lived in Atkins, Arkansas since 1999.
The Ralston family has been farming for over ten generations and it’s all they’ve ever done, Robin had explained.
The Ralstons said they appreciate having their entire family participating in the business in addition to doing what they love.
“It’s a different atmosphere than going to a 9-5 job where you clock in and clock out,” Robin stated. He adds that there is a lot of work to be done, but they are fortunate to be able to accomplish them.
The family aims to be able to provide rice to European countries in the future.
