The Hoosier Corn Connection

Indiana's economy is deeply intertwined with corn production, and the crop has become an integral part of the state's identity. For Steve Souder, a native of Rushville, Indiana, farming was always his dream. He began planting sweet corn at just 10 years old and has since expanded to about 70 acres, producing over 70,000 pounds of sweet corn annually.

Corn has been a staple crop in Indiana for thousands of years, with the Aztecs first domesticating it nearly 10,000 years ago. The crop was brought to the Midwest by different tribes and eventually became a crucial part of the diets of Native American tribes, including the Miami and Shawnee.

Today, Indiana is one of the top corn-producing states in the country, with most of its corn used for livestock feed and biofuel production. However, field corn isn't just for hogs and Hondas; it's also used in cereal products, cornmeal, and corn syrup found in many grocery store items.

Purdue Extension corn specialist Dan Quinn notes that the crop has become a cultural touchstone for Hoosiers, with sweet corn starring on seasonal menus at restaurants during the summer. Indiana produces more popcorn than any other state, thanks largely to companies like Orville Redenbacher and Weaver Popcorn.