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.

Since 2018, Tidewater has quickly established itself as the preeminent grower of heirloom, heritage, and landrace grains in the southeastern United States.

Leveraging our expertise, we now provide a regional, direct-to-farm source of heritage and commodity grains for any size distillery. With access to 6,000+ acres at home and a strong grower network spread across the southeast, we aim to change the status quo of how distilleries source their raw ingredients by offering a consistent, reliable supply of regionally grown commodity and heirloom grains.

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

— Al & Tommy, Founders