In the heart of Southeast Missouri's Delta Region, Castor River Farms stands as a beacon of sustainable agriculture and family legacy. For over six decades, the Hunter family has been cultivating this land, producing nutritious food with an unwavering focus on soil health and regenerative practices.
A Legacy of Innovation
The roots of Castor River Farms go back three generations, to when Furg Hunter turned a stretch of swampland into thriving farmland along the Castor River. His pioneering spirit paved the way for his son, John Sr., to further improve the land’s productivity.
Today, under Johnny Hunter II’s leadership, this legacy of innovation continues. Castor River Farms is redefining what it means to be a modern farm, pushing boundaries and setting new standards for sustainable rice cultivation.
Revolutionizing Rice Cultivation
At Castor River Farms, they’ve rewritten the playbook for rice farming. Traditionally, rice fields are flooded, but Castor River Farms has adopted a “row rice” approach that eliminates the need for constant water. This method significantly cuts water usage, challenging long-standing norms in the industry. Their rice is planted directly into the soil, bypassing tilling, burning, and flooding.
Instead of relying on chemicals, they’ve developed a regenerative ecosystem sustained by cover crops. These crops act like a shield for the soil, maintaining its integrity throughout the year. It’s a system that keeps living roots in the ground all four seasons, ensuring the soil is always nurtured
Regenerative Practices at the Core
At the heart of Castor River Farms is an unwavering commitment to regenerative practices. Every decision made on the farm revolves around soil health, which is considered their most valuable asset—everything else can be replaced. By focusing on building and maintaining healthy soil, they ensure that the food they produce is rich in nutrients, fostering healthier communities. This philosophy has guided Johnny Hunter II’s approach, earning him recognition as Soil Conservationist of the Year by the Conservation Federation of Missouri in 2016.
The farm’s motto, centered on the idea that healthy soil leads to healthy food and, ultimately, healthy people, encapsulates their belief in the interconnectedness of soil health and human well-being. This guiding principle is woven into every aspect of their operation, reinforcing the idea that the farm’s success depends on nurturing the land they work with.
Quality Rice Production
Castor River Farms grows, mills, and packages their long-grain rice on-site. They produce both white and brown rice varieties, using a specific rice strain adapted to their farming style. The milling process is pure and natural, without any bleaching or artificial additives.
While rice remains the cornerstone, their sights are set on expanding into new ventures. They’re exploring ways to utilize rice hulls in the equine industry and developing products like rice oil, grits, and flour—all with sustainability in mind.
Connecting with Our Farms
We're proud to partner with innovators like Castor River Farms. Their story aligns perfectly with our mission to connect consumers with farmers who are at the forefront of sustainable agriculture. By showcasing farms like Castor River, we aim to educate consumers about the importance of regenerative farming practices and support farmers committed to environmental stewardship.
As we continue to build bridges between conscious consumers and forward-thinking farmers, Castor River Farms remind us of the positive impact we can have on our food system, our health, and our planet when we choose to support sustainable agriculture. They are continuously redefining what it means to farm responsibly—because every choice we make is a step toward a healthier future for all.
