Owner & Manager

For generations, farming in the Bland family was led by men. In 2017, Christi Bland-Miller, daughter of James Bland Jr., forged her own path by founding CMB Farm LLC, becoming a trailblazer not only within her family but also for women in agriculture.

Today, Christi and her father, James Bland Jr., farm more than 2,000 acres of rice, soybeans, and corn in the Mississippi Delta. Guided by a commitment to regenerative agriculture and responsible stewardship, they have modernized their operation by placing more than 75% of their farmland under irrigation, transitioning from diesel-powered irrigation systems to electric wells, and implementing conservation practices that improve water efficiency, enhance soil health, reduce environmental impact, and help preserve the land for future generations.

Christi’s leadership, innovation, and advocacy have established her as one of the nation’s leading voices in agriculture and as one of the only Black female commercial rice producer in the United States.

Her work has earned national recognition, including:

Named one of America’s Best Young Farmers (2021)

Selected as the first African American woman to participate in the USA Rice Leadership Development Program

Graduate of the USA Rice Leadership Development Program (Class of 2023–2025)

Serves on the Board of Directors of the National Black Growers Council

Featured in Women of Strength: Stewards of the Land (2024 Edition)

Featured in the John Deere × Dovetail Workwear campaign celebrating women in agriculture

While these achievements are meaningful, Christi considers her greatest calling to be serving as a wife, mother of four, and disciple of Jesus Christ. She is passionate about preserving her family’s agricultural legacy while inspiring the next generation of farmers through faith, innovation, leadership, and service.