Humble Beginnings
In the fall of 1983, brothers Carl and Marvin Schultz planted their very first wheat crop, beginning their journey as full-time farmers from the ground up. Over the years, the family farm expanded to include corn, soybeans, cotton, milo, and wheat throughout the 1980s and 1990s.
As the farm grew, so did the Schultz family. Marvin and Meredith raised their sons, Joseph and William, while Carl and Amy raised John, Lee, and Suzanne. Life on the farm came with both blessings and challenges. Droughts, floods, pests, and economic hardships tested the family time and time again, but each obstacle strengthened their determination and taught valuable lessons about perseverance, faith, and resilience.
Growing Through The Years
During the 2000s and 2010s, the farming operation continued to evolve, focusing primarily on corn and soybean production while also operating a cow-calf cattle business for over 15 years.
In 2018, the Schultz family suffered the loss of Marvin after a long battle with recurring brain tumors that began in 2011. His strength, work ethic, and love for farming continue to shape the family and the farm today.
As agriculture changed, many farming operations felt pressure to continually expand in size to remain competitive. The Schultz family took a different approach. Rather than focusing solely on farming more acres, they focused on becoming better stewards of the resources they already had — improving productivity, efficiency, and sustainability for future generations.
The Birth of
Tennemo Rice
In 2023, a new idea began to take shape — one that would allow the family farm to continue growing while creating something truly unique for Tennessee agriculture.
That idea became Tennemo Rice.
With support from the Tennessee Department of Agriculture and the FARM program, the Schultz family began taking the first steps toward bringing Tennessee-grown and Tennessee-milled rice to local communities. Rice had long been something the family wanted to grow, but market accessibility had always been a challenge.
In 2024, the family harvested their very first rice crop. Then, in 2025, they bagged their first milled rice produced entirely from their own farm — a milestone years in the making.
Today, Tennemo Rice proudly carries forward the Schultz family’s farming legacy by producing high-quality, locally grown rice with care, transparency, and a commitment to future generations.
🌾 From our family farm to your table.
