If there’s one thing farming will teach you quickly, it’s this:
we don’t control the weather.
And in May, that reality shows up in a big way.
Around our part of the world, popcorn planting usually starts in late April or early May. Ideally, we like to have everything in the ground by the middle of May.
Much later than that, and it can really impact yields. And yields matter. That’s what determines how many pounds of popcorn we’ll have available to sell the next year.
So timing is everything.
We’re watching the forecast. Watching soil conditions. Trying to hit that window just right. And then… the rain comes.
Or it doesn’t.
When There’s Too Much Rain
April showers might bring May flowers, but they can also bring flooded fields.
Heavy rains can turn rows into standing water almost overnight. Low spots fill up. Field roads get muddy. Equipment sits still when we need it moving.
Wet ground isn’t just inconvenient. It keeps us out of the field entirely. Planting gets delayed. That narrow window starts to close.
And sometimes, it means going back and replanting areas that didn’t make it.
That’s a hard one. You put seed in the ground, do everything right, and still have to start over in spots.
When There’s Not Enough
On the flip side, dry conditions bring their own set of challenges.
Seeds need moisture to germinate. Without it, they just sit there waiting. And waiting. And waiting.
Too dry, and you don’t get an even stand. Some plants come up, some don’t. That affects the whole field and the consistency we work so hard for.
The Balance We’re Always Chasing
Too early, and the soil can be too cold or too wet. Seeds can rot.
Too late, and the crop may not have enough time to fully mature before frost.
So we make the best call we can with the information we have. And then we go.
Some years it lines up just right.
Other years, we’re dodging rain clouds, checking soil conditions, and taking it one field at a time.
The Part You Don’t Always See
When you’re popping a bowl of popcorn at home, it’s easy to forget how much of it started with something as simple, and unpredictable, as rain.
Too much. Not enough. Or just right.
That balance plays a big role in the quality of every kernel.
It’s also a good reminder for us.
A lot of farming, and honestly a lot of life, looks like this. You prepare. You plan. You do the work. And then you adjust when things don’t go exactly how you hoped.
Still Worth It
Even with the mud, the delays, and the replanting, May is an exciting time on the farm.
It’s the start of a new crop. A fresh season. Another chance to grow something we’re proud of.
And when conditions finally line up and those first rows go in, it’s a good feeling.
Rain or shine, we’re in it.
🌽 Want to follow along as this year’s crop gets started?
We share real-time updates from the field, planting progress, and behind-the-scenes moments all season long.
👉 Follow along on social or join our email list to see how your popcorn grows from soil to snack.
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