If it doesn't belong in the combine, it doesn't belong in your bag.
It's September, which means we're itching to get in the field and start harvesting popcorn.
Unfortunately, the combine doesn't get the final say.
First comes one of the least glamorous—but most important—jobs on the farm: clean-out.
Before a single ear of this year's popcorn is harvested, every combine, grain cart, truck, auger, and bin has to be cleaned. Since popcorn is usually the first crop we harvest each fall, there may still be a few kernels left from last year's popcorn crop or, occasionally, an early field of white corn.
Even a handful of leftover kernels can hitch a ride if we're not careful.
Every Kernel Counts
That's why you'll often find Lonny standing under the auger with a five-gallon bucket, catching those last few kernels before harvest officially begins.
His favorite joke?
"Wish it was a bigger bucket."
It may not be the most glamorous job on the farm, but it's one of those little jobs that makes a big difference.
Our goal is simple: if it doesn't belong in your popcorn, we do everything we can to keep it out.
Quality Starts Before Harvest
That means cleaning out leftover kernels, but it also means doing everything we can to keep dirt, rocks, cobs, and other foreign material out of the crop.
Farming isn't perfect. Mother Nature always has a vote.
Last year's windstorm reminded us of that when much of our popcorn was blown over. Harvesting closer to the ground meant we had to work even harder to keep unwanted material out of the crop.
From inspecting the crop in the field to our processor's advanced cleaning and color sorting equipment, we're constantly looking for ways to improve. Every season teaches us something, and every harvest gives us another opportunity to raise the bar.
Because quality doesn't start in the bag.
It starts long before harvest ever begins.
🌽 Pop Quiz!
How much popcorn do you think one acre can produce?
Take your best guess before reading on!
👇
In a good year, one acre of popcorn can produce approximately 5,000–8,000 pounds of popcorn. That's enough to make well over one million snack-sized bowls of popcorn!
Pretty amazing what can come from one acre—and it all starts with making sure this year's crop begins with clean equipment.
Harvest Is Almost Here
Once the equipment is cleaned, combines get their final inspections, and Mother Nature cooperates, it's finally time to head to the field.
Harvest is one of our favorite times of the year, and we can't wait to share it with you over the coming weeks. Follow along as we bring you behind the scenes from the combine, the grain carts, and the popcorn fields as this year's crop makes its journey from our family farm to your family's movie night.
Have you ever wondered why farmers clean out equipment before harvest? Or is there another part of farming you've always been curious about?
Leave us a comment or send us a message. We love answering your questions and giving you a behind-the-scenes look at life on our family farm.
🌽🍿 Small Farm. Big Flavor.
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