The People Behind Your Wild Rice
Larry, Sharon and Jerry are the owners of Wild & Ricey NW Inc. Larry and Sharon live on the family farm south of Salem, Oregon. in We literally run a “mom, pop, and son” operation. A third generation member has joined our team, Annie, our granddaughter.This is a family affair that has been in business since 1991. 30 YEARS!
Larry’s family originally came from Arkansas in the early 1940s. Larry attended school in Salem and graduated from the University of Oregon. Larry gave up his architectural job to work the farm and business. Larry, who is primarily retired, stays active in the business. He maintains farm activities, tree management and beats back the wild blackberries on his trusty John Deer tractor.
Always sensitive to waterfowl and wildlife, 100 acres of the farm was in a wildlife conservation program. Unfortunately the program ended. Still much of the farm acreage remains in a natural landscape. What was once wild rice ponds now feed ducks, geese and provides nesting grounds. The farm is located next to Ankeny National Wildlife Refuge. On any given day, there are ducks, geese, deer and many other wildlife species sharing the land. We have spotted elk, coyote, bobcat, foxes and various hawks, bald eagles and a sundry of birds.
S
haron was born and raised in Oregon. She attended school in Oregon and graduated from the University of Oregon. She is the President of the Corporation. Sharon, also, gave up her career track to work the family business. Sharon is the primary person who keeps track of the books, web page, nitty gritty stuff.
As a youngster, her family owned a farm. She has never lost her passion for farm life, the outdoors, horseback riding and her farm animals. Horses, turkeys,and chickens. Currently we have 3 rescue horses, 4 turkeys and numerous chickens.
Jerry attended high school in Eugene, and graduated from Portland Community College. In his free time, he was a living historian of the American Civil War. He enjoys fishing, cooking and riding his Harley.
Jerry is the office manager and supervisor of warehouse personnel. Keeps track of inventory, shipping, receiving, and making sure orders are received and printed correctly.
Our third generation granddaughter, Annie, has joined the team. she was born and raised in Oregon. She is our primary person in the warehouse and is responsible for blending the many wild rice blends we produce. She also handles shipping out our wild rice and wild rice blends. She makes sure the “crew”, that comes out Monday-Friday, have an ample supply of product to package.
The packaging crew are folks who are challenged in one way or another. They primarily package the 10 pound bulk bags. The personnel changes from time to time, but we appreciate the work of those who have gone before and the folks we have now. We have worked with the same organization for over 17 years.