Garwood Roots. Texas Grown. Texas Proud.

Our Long Grain White and Brown Rice is grown with pride by numerous rice farmers from the Garwood, Texas area—one of the most respected rice-growing communities in the state. While our new Texas Rice Milling facility is under construction (estimated completion January 2026), our rice is being milled by a trusted local Texas partner to ensure every bag still reflects the quality, consistency, and Texas authenticity our farmers stand behind.

The People Behind the Rice

One of the farmers whose story represents the heart of Garwood rice is Al Shimek—a first-generation farmer whose journey reflects grit, determination, and a genuine love for the land.

Al didn’t grow up farming. No one in his family farmed, and he had no generational land, equipment, or help. At 16 years old, he rented a tractor for $4 a day just to plant his first hay crop. To pay his way through Texas A&M, he baled hay, worked long hours, and stayed committed to his dream of becoming a farmer.

By the early 1980s, Al was farming corn—until the devastating drought of 1985 wiped out everything. With no crop insurance, no backup plan, and no family safety net, he vowed he would never farm another crop again.

But rice changed his life.

In 1986, he started farming rice “on the halves” with Mr. E.G. Goff off of 1300. He knew nothing about rice at the time—only that Garwood farmers were known for their strong crops, good equipment, and deep pride in their work. He learned. He adapted. And he poured everything he had into farming.

Today, Al and his two sons farm 5,000 acres, own 2,100 acres, and have helped more than 45 farmers get their start—giving others the same opportunity he once needed.

Why We Share These Stories

When we send rice to recipe creators, chefs, and social media partners, we want them to understand exactly where this rice comes from and who grows it.

This isn’t anonymous grain.

It’s Texas-grown, Texas-milled (soon), and Texas-proud.

It’s the result of men and women like Al—people who started with nothing but a dream, a rented tractor, and a work ethic strong enough to build a life from the ground up.

Garwood, Texas: A Legacy of Rice

For generations, Garwood has been known for:

• Strong, high-quality long grain rice

• Multi-generation family farms

• Waterfowl habitat that’s shaped both farming and hunting culture

• A community where agriculture isn’t just a job—it’s a way of life

Honestly Texas Rice is honored to work with the farmers from this historic region and to share their rice with families across our state.

From our farmers to your family—this is Texas rice done right.