Like many who grew up on a farm, Sam Schneider learned at a very early age that being a farmer takes a lot of grit, entrepreneurial spirit, and tenacity.  “Farmers are hard workers and don’t quit until the job gets done. And, in this business no matter how hard you work, and how well you follow the plan, there are a lot of variables out of your control like unfair trade agreements, politics, environmental issues, natural disasters, and inflation, to name just a few.” Despite the many challenges, American rice farmers are persistent in their commitment to produce the best, safest crop possible.

Sam and his wife Meagan are health and wellness enthusiasts, and this is what actually brought them back to farming – a passion to provide consumers with a healthy source of carbohydrates and nutrients.  As chair of the USA Rice Nutrition Subcommittee, Sam is an integral part of the industry’s efforts in this space. He has testified on the development of the 2025-2030 Dietary Guidelines for Americans, federal guidelines that provide recommendations on what to eat and drink to meet nutrient needs, promote health, and prevent disease. Count on Sam to continue to farm responsibly and advocate for U.S. rice as a healthy part of American diets.