Hello again! It’s wonderful to be back on the blog after a long pause. My journey as a freelance food and nutrition writer has been incredibly busy, taking me in exciting new directions.
One such direction recently led me to Chico, California, for an immersive experience at Lundberg Family Farms, a leading name in rice production whose products are likely familiar from stores like Trader Joe’s and Whole Foods. Bryce Lundberg, along with his daughter Brita and other members of the Lundberg family, generously hosted a group of food writers for an insightful day and a half dedicated to exploring every aspect of rice, from rice cakes to rice syrup and beyond. If you’ve ever been curious about the world of rice, Lundberg Family Farms are the experts. And now, after this experience, I’m excited to share some of what I learned with you.
This article will offer a glimpse into my “Rice 101” tour at Lundberg Family Farms.
Visiting Lundberg Family Farms in Richvale, California, to learn about their rice production process.
Unexpected Transportation: The Party Bus Experience
My visit to Lundberg Family Farms began in a uniquely memorable way. To transport our group of six writers and two PR representatives around Chico, the Lundbergs arranged for a party bus. As we boarded this vehicle, complete with neon lights and a mini-bar, for our first evening’s dinner, the humor of the situation wasn’t lost on us. One writer jokingly dubbed it “the world’s most awkward bachelorette party.” Despite the initial amusement, this unconventional start quickly broke the ice, and by the end of our 36 hours together, we had formed a convivial group.
Food writers and PR representatives on a party bus chartered by Lundberg Family Farms for transportation during the farm tour.
Our first dinner was hosted at The Red Tavern in Chico, where Lundberg Family Farms products were subtly showcased. Mini rice cakes formed part of a delightful charcuterie board, and flavorful black rice served as the foundation for a cod entree, highlighting the versatility of rice in culinary applications. After a satisfying meal, we returned to the hotel, ready for a full day of exploration at Lundberg Family Farms.
Charcuterie board featuring Lundberg Family Farms mini rice cakes served at The Red Tavern in Chico.
A Deep Dive into Lundberg’s Farming Philosophy
The morning at Lundberg Family Farms began with an insightful presentation that laid the groundwork for understanding their operations. We learned about the company’s rich history as pioneers in the organic farming movement, their commitment to sustainable agricultural practices, and the diverse rhythm of tasks and priorities that each season brings. A key takeaway was Lundberg Family Farms‘ dedication to fostering a thriving habitat for the waterfowl population in Northern California, demonstrating their holistic approach to farming that extends beyond crop production.
Presentation about Lundberg Family Farms history, organic farming practices, and commitment to environmental sustainability.
The Art of Rice Breeding: Creating New Varieties by Hand
Following the presentation, we visited the greenhouse, where we witnessed the meticulous process of developing new rice varieties. It was fascinating to learn that this crucial step is performed entirely by hand. Lundberg Family Farms employs dedicated botanists who carefully manipulate individual rice grains. Using a delicate technique, the botanist snips open the hulls of each grain within a rice panicle—essentially a branch of rice—similar to the one pictured below.
Close-up of a rice panicle, showing the individual grains that are hand-pollinated to create new rice varieties at Lundberg Family Farms.
After opening the rice grains, the botanist delicately pollinates each one with pollen from a different rice variety. The panicle is then covered for approximately ten days. This careful, manual pollination process is how Lundberg Family Farms innovates and expands its impressive range of rice types. The result of this painstaking work is a new rice breed, ready for planting and further cultivation.
Experiencing the Rice Harvest: From Field to Combine
Our next destination was the expansive rice fields, offering a two-part immersive experience. First, we had the opportunity to wander through a field cultivated with various rice types. We were encouraged to select and snip individual panicles, creating our personalized bouquets of rice. Given that Lundberg Family Farms cultivates 17 different rice and quinoa varieties, ranging from short-grain to long-grain and encompassing colors from white to red and black, assembling a bouquet with diverse colors and textures was both easy and visually appealing.
Visitors creating rice bouquets from various rice types grown in Lundberg Family Farms fields.
The second part of our field experience was participating in the rice harvest. October marks the rice harvesting season in Northern California, and we had the unique opportunity to participate in this process. Riding in a large yellow combine as it harvested the ripe rice grains was an engaging experience. The scale of the machinery and the efficiency of the harvesting process were impressive.
Riding in a combine harvester during the rice harvest at Lundberg Family Farms in October.
Surprisingly, the interior of the combine was remarkably comfortable and modern. Equipped with air conditioning and advanced internal technology resembling a military jet cockpit, it was far from the rustic machinery I had imagined.
The comfortable and technologically advanced interior of a modern combine harvester used at Lundberg Family Farms.
Drying and Storage: Ensuring Quality from Harvest to Table
Before lunch, we made a brief stop at the drying silos, essential structures in the post-harvest process where the rice is dried and stored. These massive silos play a critical role in preserving the quality of the harvested rice from Lundberg Family Farms.
Exterior view of the large drying silos used for rice storage at Lundberg Family Farms.
We even stepped inside one of these giant structures, gaining a sense of their immense scale. While momentarily reminded of a scene from Witness, the sheer impressiveness of the operation quickly overshadowed any cinematic associations. It’s a testament to the scale and efficiency of Lundberg Family Farms‘ rice production.
Inside a rice drying silo, showcasing the scale of the storage facilities at Lundberg Family Farms.
Lunch was a delightful affair hosted by the Lundberg family at their home, offering scenic views overlooking the rice fields. Following lunch, we enjoyed a relaxing paint-and-sip activity—a creative interlude amidst our agricultural explorations.
Scenic view of Lundberg Family Farms rice fields from a Lundberg family home.
Beyond Rice: Exploring Rice Cake Production and Sustainability
The final stop on our tour was a walk-through of the rice cake production facility. While cameras were not permitted in this area, the experience was akin to watching an episode of How It’s Made. We observed the entire process, from the initial stages of rice cake formation on the production line to the final stages of flavoring and packaging, ready for retail distribution. Notably, we learned about Lundberg Family Farms‘ commitment to sustainability, with 95% of their waste being repurposed for renewable uses. They also prioritize employee well-being, implementing best practices in employee ergonomics within their facilities.
Animated image representing the efficiency and continuous motion of a rice cake production line.
To conclude the day, we were treated to a dinner featuring arancini rice balls, chicken over wild rice, and a coconut rice pudding for dessert—a delicious culmination of our rice-focused day.
Overall, the day at Lundberg Family Farms provided an invaluable firsthand experience of farming and reinforced the understanding that food originates from dedicated individuals working the land. For me, it was a significant opportunity to build a relationship with a company whose values of sustainability and quality I deeply admire, and whose products I genuinely enjoy.
