Cahokia Rice (Illinois Grown!)

About Cahokia Rice, grown in McClure, Illinois:

Alongside the Mississippi River, the Gerard family settled on their land and began farming it. They recognized the potential of the fertile Illinois soil on the banks of the river, and their farm has flourished for four generations. In 1990, descendant Blake Gerard returned to the land seeking to revitalize this multi-generational farming operation.

Today, Blake continues to carry on his family’s legacy. A recognized pioneer in the rice industry, his work is never done. Blake’s passion for farming paired with his intimate understanding of the rice market allow him a unique perspective on producing the highest quality rice without sacrificing the unique characteristics that set family-owned and operated farms like his apart. He is constantly looking to improve his methods and to better his product, a commitment shared at Cahokia Rice.

The Cahokia were the first sustainable farmers, and their business represents a return to these same sustainable practices. They utilize environmentally friendly practices, growing our rice without the use of GMOs and minimizing the amount of water and fertilizer we add to our product while still maintaining a healthy crop.

A few factors allow this. One is our proximity to the mighty Mississippi River, a mere walking distance from our farm and a natural and efficient irrigator of our nutrient-rich soil. Another factor is our implementation of best-in-class soil conservation practices. This prevents harmful soil erosion, guaranteeing the preservation of our land and maintenance of its natural fertility for years to come. Through these techniques, Cahokia Rice reduces our environmental footprint with the added bonus of reducing prices for customers.

Cahokia mills and packages their crop in small batches to maximize taste and nutrition, harvesting the grains when they contain peak protein content.