Fresh Start
Discover the Tasteof Local Produce Every Day
Explore our farm’s commitment to quality and freshness. We take pride in growing nutritious vegetable, herbs and fruits for our community. From our fields to your table, every bite captures the essence of local farming. Join us as we share the story of our sustainable practices and dedication to the land.
History
Carl Frederick Schuster came to the United States in 1933. His mother, Bertha, could see problems ahead for Europe, so she decided to send her oldest son to Texas to live with her two brothers, Max and Fred Krenmueller, who had started a farming operation in the Rio Grande Valley of Texas — and that is where Carl was headed at the age of 15 years.
In 1941, Carl married Wilma Reis and with $900 and a second-hand truck, they started their married life farming a 40 acre plot south of Alamo, TX. From this beginning, their family grew to include four children — three girls and a boy — and a farming operation that now covers almost 4,000 acres of farmland. Carl was always committed to finding a better way to farm and a better way to market what he raised. In 1970, a group of farmers got together and created Rio Fresh, Inc. They wanted to be able to grow, pack and ship their own produce straight from their fields to the customer.
Rio Fresh Today
Over the past 45 years, the ownership of Rio Fresh has changed. Rio Fresh is now completely owned by members of the Carl and Wilma Schuster family and their spouses. We have also increased the variety of crops we grow to approximately 30 different vegetables and herbs. We have made many improvements to the packing shed and farmland as we strive to stay abreast of the newest, safest methods to grow, pack and ship our produce to our customers. On the farm, we have increased our usage of drip tape. The use of drip tape allows us to use less water to irrigate our crops. All of our fields are laser leveled which also helps to conserve water usage. We are strong believers in crop rotation that allows us to put nutrients back into the soil.
We are proud to be Texans. We realize the Texas climate, fertile soil and an abundant water supply have created the environment that enables us to do what we do. We are proud to be one of the oldest family farming and packing operations still around in our area, surviving and prospering. We currently have twelve second- and third-generation family members working either at the shed or on the farm. Our goal is to pass our farming operation to the fourth generation of our family. We feel the very future of the Texas produce business is in their hands and they will need all the help we can give them just as our ancestors gave it to us. We want to continue to plant, pick and pack Texas produce as long as we can.
Reasons to Choose Us
Sustainability Focused
One example of our commitment to sustainability is the widespread use of drip tape irrigation on our farm. This, coupled with laser-leveled fields conserves water and costs at a staggering rate. We understand that we are stewards of the resources we have, and we aim to operate as such with the utmost care.
Quality Produce
Our fruits vegetables, and herbs are grown with care, providing you with fresh, nutritious options every time.
Practicing Crop Rotation
We constantly rotate families of crops to reduce the build up of harmful pathogens in the soil. This crop rotation, along with planting corn, grain, and soy beans in our offseason, also maximizes humus levels and ensures nutrient rich soil.
Meet Our Team
The Faces Behind the Rio Fresh Sales Team
Our team is dedicated to bringing you the best local produce. Get to know the hardworking individuals behind the scenes, who share a passion for quality and sustainability. Together, we’re committed to serving our community with fresh, nutritious options.
Chris Larson
Sales
Chris Larson joined the family in 2015 and quickly became an integral part of the family business. What began as an opportunity soon evolved into a lasting commitment to both Rio Fresh and the family farming legacy.
Chris stepped into his role with a willingness to learn and a readiness to do whatever is needed. While he plays a key role on the sales desk, his contributions extend far beyond it. He has a natural ability to identify operational gaps and proactively step in to resolve them before they escalate. From managing the day-to-day flow of Rio Fresh’s vegetable program to overseeing much of the inbound and outbound coordination, Chris ensures consistency, efficiency, and follow-through at every level.
His reliability is evident in the way he shows up. He is steady, accountable, and fully invested in the success of the team. His dedication to the family farm is reflected in his loyalty, strong work ethic, and genuine desire to see Rio Fresh continue to grow and succeed.
Chris has become a vital contributor to Rio Fresh’s vegetable program, helping drive its stability and continued expansion year after year.
Courtney Moore
Sales
Courtney Moore is not only on the sales desk. She oversees the Rio Fresh’s entire organic program. This program she built from the ground up. What began as an initiative to expand offerings has grown into a strategic pillar of the family farming business under her leadership.
Recognizing that retailers increasingly require both conventional and organic options to meet evolving consumer demand, Courtney has positioned Rio Fresh to serve both channels seamlessly. Her work ensures customers can rely on a consistent, high-quality organic supply alongside conventional crops while strengthening partnerships and expanding market opportunities for Rio Fresh.
Courtney is continuously evaluating new and innovative ways to reduce organic farming costs without compromising quality. She understands that organics require precision, integrity, and disciplined oversight, and she approaches the program with both strategic vision and operational accountability.
As consumer demand for organic produce continues to grow, Courtney’s leadership is instrumental in shaping the future of the company. Her progressive mindset and commitment to excellence makes Rio Fresh’s organic program not just an offering, but a critical component to the long-term success for their family farm.
Mike Morley
Sales
Michael Morley is the longest standing member of the Rio Fresh sales desk, bringing experience, consistency, and a deep understanding of the family operation. Over the years, he has developed strong product knowledge, market awareness, and the ability to navigate the daily demands of produce sales with unique focus.
Michael approaches sales with a relationship driven mindset, applying both his charisma and confidence in his interactions with customers. He understands the importance of responsiveness, follow through, and maintaining dependable communication in a fast moving environment. His ability to remain composed and solution oriented helps keep his family’s company moving forward, even when farming challenges arise.
Naturally, Michael makes a conscious effort to find the positive in situations and carry that energy into his work. He balances a calm, nonchalant demeanor and work ethic. Michael strongly believes in working hard so he can enjoy life with the same energy.
His longevity on the sales desk reflects both his commitment to his family’s legacy and the trust built through years of consistent performance. Michael continues to play an important role in supporting the stability and growth of Rio Fresh.
Taylor Schuster
Sales
Taylor Schuster is a driving force at Rio Fresh especially with the onion operations. Responsible for selling approximately 90% of the crop each season, he plays a pivotal role in ensuring that the hard work in the fields translates into successful partnerships and steady growth for the company.
He oversees and manages the entire onion shed operation independently, a responsibility that represents nearly half of the business. From coordinating logistics and maintaining production flow to managing customer relationships and meeting planting and shipment timelines, he handles the operational and sales demands with precision and consistency.
Known for his strong work ethic and forward-thinking mindset, Taylor is continually focused on improvement. Each year, he sets higher goals, pushes for stronger performance, and looks for smarter, more efficient ways to operate. His commitment to growth, accountability, and excellence has been instrumental in the ongoing success and expansion of the family farming business.
Through dedication, resilience, and leadership, he ensures that every season is stronger than the last.