Michael Fruge Rice Farmer Of The Year
MAFG STAFF
Michael Fruge, Eunice, LA, has been named the 2025 Rice Farmer of the Year at the 28th Annual National Conservation Systems Cotton & Rice Conference, Southern Soybean & Corn Conference, Delta States Irrigation Conference and the Southern Precision Ag Conference.
Michael Fruge, a second-generation rice, soybean and crawfish farmer, was raised on his family’s farm near Eunice, Louisiana. After graduating from Louisiana State University in 2005 with a B.S. in agronomy and a minor in ag business, Fruge spent several years working in the rice industry before returning to his hometown to farm full-time. Upon his college graduation, Fruge worked for RiceTec in their seed production program for three months until he was hired by Horizon Ag in September of 2005. Fruge was the district sales manager for Horizon Ag covering Louisiana and Texas and even spent a few years also serving clients in Mississippi. He returned to the farm in 2010 and planted his first rice crop while continuing to work for Horizon Ag.
After 14 years with Horizon Ag, Fruge decided to focus strictly on his personal farming operation and began devoting more time to fulfilling his dream of creating his own rice brand. In 2019, Fruge began working on his packaged rice business under the name of Prairie Acadian Rice. In 2021, Fruge rebranded Prairie Acadian Rice and began packaging his new specialty variety under the Parish Rice brand while continuing to farm full-time alongside his father. Developed by the LSU AgCenter and package by M&S Fruge Farms, Parish Rice is known for its higher protein content which results in a lower glycemic level, creating a niche rice being brought to markets and stores throughout the United States. While continuing to build his brand, Fruge continues to work together with his father to farm 1400 acres of rice, 1100 acres of soybeans and 400 acres of crawfish.
Michael remains highly involved in the rice industry. In particular, he spends time promoting the Louisiana rice industry, where he currently serves as the Central LA Rice Growers Association President. In the past, Fruge has served on the Louisiana Rice Research board (2014-2018) and served as the Louisiana Rice Growers Association President. He also serves on several committees within the USA Rice organization. In 2008, Fruge had the opportunity to participate in the USA Rice Leadership Development Program, which gave him the opportunity to learn more about the entire rice industry and its diversity, allowing his to grow not only in ways to benefit the industry, but also as a farmer. He continues to cultivate relationships made throughout his years in the industry to benefit the farm and his fellow farmers. Fruge was awarded the 2017 St. Landry Parish Conservation Farmer of the Year. This year he was selected as the 2024 Rice Farmer of the Year by Horizon Ag, Rice Farming and USA Rice. “Michael represents the best of what being a rice farmer is all about. From his knowledge about farming rice on the farm, to his understanding about the issues that extend beyond the farm, he has a passion for excellence in our industry.” said Kane Webb, Director of Field Service for USA Rice. “He is a dedicated steward of the land for our next generation and genuine in his desire to see the US Rice industry succeed, both locally and on the global stage. He is a true ambassador in the profession of rice production”.
Michael is married to Sarah, and they have four daughters, Julia Grace, Clare, Reese, and Ainsley. ∆
MAFG STAFF