For decades, farming in the Bland family had been carried on by men. But in 2017, Christi Bland-Miller, daughter of James Jr., decided to chart her own path in agriculture. She founded CMB Farm LLC, becoming a trailblazer not only for her family, but for women and African Americans in farming.

Today, Christi successfully produces rice, soybeans, and corn across 2,000 acres. She has modernized her operation with 90% of her land under irrigation and by converting to electric wells instead of diesel-powered systems. Christi’s leadership and innovation have set her apart, making her the only Black female rice producer in the United States.

Her work has earned national recognition:

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

    •    Selected as the first African American woman for the USA Rice Leadership Program

    •    Serves on the board of the National Black Growers Council

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

    •    Appeared as a model for John Deere x Dovetail women’s workwear

Even with her accomplishments, Christi’s greatest pride is her role as a wife, mother of four, and disciple of Christ. Her journey embodies both the strength of her family’s legacy and the courage to break new ground for future generations.