Ohio’s Popcorn: From Family Farms to Movie Theaters

Drive across Ohio in the summertime, and you’ll notice fields of corn. Much of it is used for ethanol or livestock feed, but a fraction of those kernels complete up coated in butter at movie theaters or covered in caramel at carnivals. The United States is the world’s largest producer of popcorn, and Ohio is a key growing state, alongside Nebraska, Indiana, Illinois, and Missouri.

A Long History of Popcorn Production

“Ohio has always been a substantial player in popcorn production,” said Brian Churchill, a popcorn farmer since the late 1970s, who has worked with the Popcorn Board to study growing practices. According to recent reports, approximately 10% of the 230,000 acres of popcorn planted nationwide last year came from Ohio.

What Makes Ohio Ideal for Growing Popcorn?

Ohio’s climate is well-suited for popcorn cultivation. Churchill explains, “If we go too far south, our quality goes down a little bit. If we go too far north, we don’t have a long enough growing pattern. So this part of the Midwest grows some of the best popcorn in the world.”

The Challenges of Popcorn Farming

Popcorn is more delicate to grow than field corn. A scuffed kernel can prevent it from popping. “If you scuff those kernels of corn going through the combine, then they become old maids in a microwave bag,” Churchill said. “That kernel will not explode due to the fact that it releases the moisture out of it and the moisture is what makes the popcorn pop.” Unlike most field corn, popcorn is not genetically modified, requiring farmers to avoid herbicides like Roundup.

Family Farms and Popcorn Varieties

Nick Rettig’s family has been growing popcorn for generations. “I took my family to the movie theaters the other day, and I was like, ‘There is probably a decent chance that some of these kernels came from our farm,’” Rettig said. There are two main types of popcorn: butterfly (used in theaters and microwave bags) and mushroom (used for caramel corn and kettle corn).

A Changing Industry

Historically, popcorn was a popular snack during times of economic hardship, like the Great Depression. During World War II, sugar was rationed, leading to increased popcorn consumption. Several Ohio cities, like Marion (home to a popcorn museum and festival) and Chagrin Falls (known for its New Year’s Eve popcorn ball drop), have built identities around the snack.

The Future of Ohio Popcorn

Rettig notes a decline in the number of family farms growing popcorn, correlating with a broader trend. However, his family has adapted by merging with other farms. Their popcorn is distributed globally, appearing in movie theaters, amusement parks, microwave bags, and brands like Skinny Pop. “It’s kind of become a part of our identity,” Rettig said. “It’s what we are. It’s what we love doing.”