Humble Beginnings 

“The journey has been unbelievable. It’s been the American dream.” That’s how Randy McNeil reflects on nearly four decades in agriculture – an industry he was willing to take big risks to join. 

In 1988, Randy gathered his savings and mortgaged his house to purchase a single grain elevator. With this investment, Poinsett Rice & Grain was born. The merchandising company purchases and stores rice, soybeans, corn and other grains from farmers, then ships the product to buyers. 

Since then, this family-run business has grown exponentially from its humble beginnings. Today, it has 150 employees and 10 locations storing 22 million bushels.  

“Poinsett Rice & Grain has gone from being a local country elevator to a large grain company with contracts all over the world,” said Randy. 

Much of the growth stems from Randy’s decision to partner with Farm Credit Mid-America, a relationship that’s been going strong for three decades. 

“We wouldn’t be where we are today without Farm Credit Mid-America,” Randy said. “They’ve been there for us through the good times and the bad.” 

Strengthened Community 

The company’s success has brought lasting benefits to the rural area it serves. 

“When the agricultural community is doing well, then the whole community benefits,” said Randy’s son Joseph McNeil, who is now the company’s vice president. 

Looking ahead, the company has no plans to slow down and hopes to double capacity. 

“We hope to double our capacity in the future,” Joseph said. “We’ll keep streamlining our operations and offering great service. As we grow, Farm Credit Mid-America will continue to be that partner that helps us make our goals a reality.” 

This article was originally published by Farm Credit Mid-America.