David Abbott and his three sons discovered how rice could be raised on the higher portions of the land, and how water could be taken from the bayous by buckets for irrigation purposed. J. F. Shoemaker of Crowley was one of the early farmers to experiment with the growing of rice. Solomon Wright, who came from Indiana, carried on experiments which led to the development of the Blue Rose variety, noted for its good yield as well as the fact that it mills well. The Rice Experiment Station East of Crowley has done much to the further advancement of rice cultivation. The first rice mill in Acadia Parish was built by Squire Pickett in 1893.
Today there are many rice mills in the area supplying thousands of barrels of rice a year.
The Southern Pacific Railroad Company built the Rayne station in 1880. Rayne was incorporated as a town in 1884, with J. D. Bernard serving as the first mayor. The Rayne Milling and Manufacturing Co., Rayne's first rice mill, began operation in 1888. The first Rice Festival was held in Crowley in September, 1927. Sol Wright was the first king, and his daughter was the first queen.