August Farm Foe: When Mother Nature Has Other Plans

Every month brings a new challenge on the farm, and in August, one of our biggest worries is not insects or weeds. It is the weather.

By late summer, our popcorn plants have spent months growing. The ears are filling, the kernels are developing, and harvest is finally starting to feel within reach. Then all it takes is one severe thunderstorm to change everything.

Strong winds or hail can undo months of work in a matter of minutes.

When the Crop Goes Down

Last August, a storm with 60 to 70 mph winds rolled through our farm. Instead of standing nearly nine feet tall, much of our popcorn was flattened to just two or three feet.

Walking the fields afterward was heartbreaking. After caring for a crop all season, it is difficult to see Mother Nature take over in a single evening.

Thankfully, popcorn is tougher than it looks.

Even though the stalks were bent over, the root systems held, and many of the plants continued maturing. While harvest became more challenging, the crop still produced popcorn that eventually made its way from our fields to your bowl.

Crop Insurance Does Not Replace the Crop

People sometimes ask if crop insurance takes care of situations like this. While we do carry insurance, it rarely covers the true cost of growing the crop.

It helps, but it does not replace the months of planning, planting, scouting fields, irrigating, and caring for every acre. It also cannot replace the popcorn we expected to harvest and have available for customers the following year.

Farming Requires Patience and Humility

Farming teaches patience and humility. We can choose the best seed, care for the crop, and make good management decisions, but we cannot control the weather.

That is why every harvest is something we are thankful for.

Every bag of popcorn represents months of work, a little faith, and more than a little cooperation from Mother Nature. When you enjoy a bowl of Free Day Popcorn, you are enjoying the result of a season that faced challenges just like this one.

Hoping for a Strong Finish

We are grateful this year’s crop is looking great so far, and we are hoping the weather cooperates through harvest.

Because around here, every kernel has a story.

Have you ever experienced a storm that changed your plans in an instant? Leave a comment below or send us a message. We would love to hear your story.

And next time you enjoy a bowl of popcorn, remember there is a lot more behind every kernel than meets the eye. 🌽🍿