Conrad Rice Mill

Nestled in the heart of New Iberia, Louisiana, the Conrad Rice Mill stands as a testament to the enduring spirit of American entrepreneurship and agricultural innovation. Established in 1912, this historic mill is the oldest independently owned rice mill in the United States still in operation. It continues to produce rice under the Konriko brand, captivating visitors with its rich history and unique charm.

The Origins of Conrad Rice Mill

The story of the Conrad Rice Mill begins with Philip Amelius (PA) Conrad, born in 1882 in Pointe Coupee Parish, Louisiana. PA Conrad started his journey into rice farming with his uncle in Avoyelles Parish. Determined to forge his own path, he moved to New Iberia, where he purchased land on the north side of the Bayou Teche. Initially, the harvested rice had to be shipped to New Orleans for milling. To avoid this cumbersome process, PA Conrad built a small rice mill on his property in 1910.

In 1912, he relocated and rebuilt the mill at its current location on Ann Street in New Iberia, establishing the Conrad Rice Milling and Planting Company. The proximity to the Bayou Teche was crucial for irrigation, and PA Conrad expanded his rice fields to the south bank of the bayou. Over the years, the company acquired more land, amassing a total of 575 acres dedicated to rice farming.

Early Farming Practices

In the early days, rice farming at Conrad Rice Mill was a labor-intensive process. Without mechanical equipment, the land was tilled and harrowed using mule-drawn implements. Workers laid seed by hand, built small levees with shovels, and utilized an ingenious irrigation system to bring water from the Bayou Teche to the fields. This system included water pumps driven by Fairbanks-Morse cold-start crude oil engines, capable of pumping up to 1300 gallons per minute.

The initial flooding of the fields took about a week, and water had to be continually pumped until the rice sprouts grew above the ground. Once the stalks were firm, the fields were flooded again until the rice was nearly mature. The entire process, from planting in the spring to harvesting in August, required a significant workforce. Rice was cut and assembled into shocks by hand, allowed to dry in the field, and then transported to the mill for further processing.

Transition to Mechanical Farming

In the 1930s, the introduction of mechanical equipment revolutionized rice farming at Conrad Rice Mill. Tractors replaced mules for tilling and plowing, and mechanical harvesters were introduced just before World War II. These innovations significantly reduced the labor required for harvesting and threshing rice. By 1946, mechanical combines capable of reaping and threshing rice in the field had become standard, allowing the drying process to take place more efficiently at the mill.

Milling Process

The mill built on Ann Street in 1912 was a three-story structure designed to utilize gravity in the rice processing stages. The process began with rice being brought to a storage bin on the third floor, then fed into stone hullers to remove the hulls and bran. The rice was polished, coated with sucrose and talcum powder, and then weighed and packaged. Initially, the rice was packaged in 100-pound sacks, but later in smaller bags of 10, 25, and 50 pounds.

Before the advent of electric motors, the hullers were driven by steam engines powered by Babcock & Wilcox boilers. An extensive network of belts and pulleys transferred power from the engines to the hullers. In 1951, electric motors replaced the steam engines, modernizing the milling process.

Legacy and Ownership

PA Conrad's legacy was carried on by his sons, Philip Odell (PO), Allen, and Julian Conrad. Each contributed to the mill's operations, with PO joining the business in 1920, Allen in 1925, and Julian after completing his education. PA Conrad retired in 1940 but continued to offer informal consultation until his death in 1961.

During World War II, the mill faced labor shortages, relying on family members and day laborers to maintain operations. One notable employee, Leander Gutchie Viltz, worked at the mill for an impressive 72 years, starting at the age of six.

In 1975, the mill was sold to Michael Davis following the retirement of Allen and Julian Conrad. Davis expanded the product line to include brown and flavored rice, as well as spices, sauces, and snacks. The Konriko brand, named after an accepted trademark variation, became well-known across the United States and Canada.

Visiting the Conrad Rice Mill

A visit to the Conrad Rice Mill offers a fascinating glimpse into the history of rice farming and milling in Louisiana. The mill's historic buildings, some dating back to 1914, are listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Visitors can explore the mill and learn about the traditional and modern methods of rice production.

The Conrad Rice Mill is not just a relic of the past but a living testament to the ingenuity and perseverance of American farmers. It stands as a symbol of the region's agricultural heritage and continues to produce high-quality rice products that are enjoyed by many. Whether you're a history enthusiast, a food lover, or simply curious about the milling process, the Conrad Rice Mill in New Iberia is a must-visit destination that promises to enlighten and entertain.