Scott City rice business grows from local startup to global reach

FOX23 News at 9 p.m

SCOTT CITY, Mo. (KBSI) — Inland Rice Company is expanding its operation in Scott City with a new flour mill that will create about nine jobs and allow the company to produce gluten-free rice flour.

The new mill will process whole and broken rice into flour used in pet food, cereals, breads and batters. Co-owner Sam Schneider said the expansion allows the company to use more of its product while supporting local rice producers.

“It’s very important to add jobs during this time and work together in order to produce a healthy local economy,” Schneider said.

The family-owned company originally launched to add value to rice grown on the owners’ farm in southern Illinois. Over time, it expanded by working with other local farmers and agricultural businesses.

“One of the most passionate things that I enjoy about this business is working with other local producers and adding value back into the local agriculture community,” Schneider said.

Schneider said the rice industry also faces challenges from international imports, particularly from countries such as India and Thailand, where government subsidies can make competition difficult for American farmers.

He said the company is focused on finding solutions that allow domestic producers to compete while continuing to grow its market.

While the business now ships rice across the United States and internationally, co-owner Meagan Schneider said the mission has always centered on nutrition and quality.

“We wanted to make sure that everything that goes from the farm to the table is the most nutritious that you can provide,” she said.

The company also donates rice to charities, churches and food banks. Meagan Schneider said Inland Rice has donated thousands of pounds of rice to help feed families in need.

“Our main mission is to feed people that are hungry,” she said.

Owners said the new flour mill represents the next step in the company’s growth while keeping its focus on local partnerships, community support and quality products.