It all started with a bunch of ducks.

Al Spruill, a fifth-generation farmer, and Tommy Wheeler, a General Manager for a NASCAR team, were on the lookout for a crop that would complement their favorite pastime – duck hunting. Growing rice turned out to mesh perfectly. Rice plants regenerate after harvest and produce a small amount of grain. That extra crop is perfect for attracting and nurturing waterfowl.

By combining time-tested agriculture experience with cutting-edge techniques, Tidewater Grain has become the largest grower of both Carolina Gold and Santee Long Grain rice in the world. We supply food-distributors, restaurants, municipalities, and professional sports teams nation-wide.

Tidewater has quickly established itself as the preeminent grower of heirloom, heritage, and landrace grains in the southeastern United States.

We planted our first crop in 2018. Today, we touch every part of the process — from planting to harvest, from milling and packaging, to shipping to both wholesale and retail customers. And, we love sharing the story and educating consumers about all the heirloom grains we grow. The rest continues to develop day by day, harvest by harvest.

And, yes, we’re still crazy about ducks.

— Al & Tommy, Founders