BROOKSTON, Ind. — Nebraska usually ranks No. 1 in popcorn production, but last year Indiana had the highest acreage of popcorn planted.
“Indiana is a major hub for popcorn production,” said Rachel Foley, senior ag operations specialist at ConAgra, at the Indiana Certified Crop Adviser Conference.
“Some of the major store brands that are still around today, Orville Redenbacher and Weaver, were born, raised and started their businesses in Indiana. It has a long history in the state.”
Northwest Indiana is a hot spot for popcorn acres. White and Pulaski counties have the most — and Pulaski County is known as the “Popcorn Capital of the U.S.”
The United States is the No. 1 producer and consumer of popcorn in the world.
“Americans are estimated to eat 15 billion quarts of popcorn every year,” Foley said. “Very little popcorn is imported into the U.S. We produce and eat more popcorn than any other country.
“COVID did have an impact on the popcorn business — positively on the grocery side of things and negatively on the food service side. People were sitting at home, eating popcorn and watching Netflix.
“Food service got hit pretty hard. Sporting events and movie theatres really experienced a downturn, as far as popcorn sales go.”
A Quick History Of Popcorn
Popcorn has been a food crop for a very long time. It was cultivated by the Native Americans in the Southwest and into Mexico, Foley said.
“In fact, some popcorn ears were found in a cave in New Mexico that were estimated to be 4,000 years old,” she said. “More recently, in the 1890s through the Great Depression, it became a cheap, popular snack food at events and in movie theaters.
“In the 1980s, microwave popcorn became available. Today, while microwave popcorn is still very popular, ready-to-eat popcorn has come onto the stage. Ready-to-eat popcorn is already popped and bagged. It’s marketed as a healthier alternative to potato chips.”
FAQs
— Nebraska usually ranks No. 1 in popcorn production, but last year Indiana had the highest acreage of popcorn planted. “Indiana is a major hub for popcorn production,” said Rachel Foley, senior ag operations specialist at ConAgra, at the Indiana Certified Crop Adviser Conference.
What is Indiana ranked in popcorn production? ›
Do you enjoy popcorn at the movies or as a fun treat? Thank an Indiana farmer! Indiana ranks #2 in the nation in popcorn production.
What are the top 5 popcorn producing states in order? ›
Nearly all of the world's popcorn production is in the United States, with 25 states growing the crop. Over one fourth of the national production is in Nebraska, and Indiana produces only slightly less. Other major popcorn-producing states are Illinois, Ohio, and Missouri.
Which state makes the most popcorn? ›
Indiana ranks as the top state for three products: popcorn, gourds and ducks. More than 13 million ducks were sold in Indiana in 2022. The state also is the fourth-largest producer of soybeans and fifth-largest producer of corn.
Is Indiana the popcorn capital of the world? ›
Van Buren bills itself as the “Popcorn Capitol of the World.” The largest local employer is the Weaver Popcorn Company; accordingly, its most famous annual event is the Popcorn Festival, held each August. Joseph Boxell platted Van Buren Township in 1837. Martin Van Buren was the United States president at the time.
What is Indiana the top producer of? ›
Indiana is the country's top producer of popcorn, gourds and duck, the No. 2 producer of pumpkins, and No. 3 producer of spearmint and turkeys.
What is Indiana's number one crop? ›
In a typical year, almost half of the cropland in Indiana is corn. Known for its agricultural diversity, Indiana is ranked in the top ten in national total agricultural production.
How much popcorn does Indiana produce? ›
A record high total of 96,000 acres were harvested, up 2,000 acres from last year. The 2021 average yield set a state record at 52.0 cwt per acre. The 2021 yield was up 3 cwt/acre from the previous year. Total production was 4.99 million cwt, up 8 percent from a year ago.
Where is popcorn Indiana made? ›
With quality and consistency top of mind, we moved from 3 (co-manufactured) popcorn facilities into 1 single facility owned and operated by us, and located in the Midwest (specifically, Waukegan, IL).
Where is the popcorn capital of the United States? ›
Northwest Indiana is a hot spot for popcorn acres. White and Pulaski counties have the most — and Pulaski County is known as the “Popcorn Capital of the U.S.”
The New York Times described him as "the agricultural visionary who all but single-handedly revolutionized the American popcorn industry". Brazil, Indiana, U.S.
What is Indiana known for growing? ›
While Indiana is a leader in corn and soybeans, we are also nationally renowned for our pork, poultry/ eggs, and dairy sectors. Together, these five commodities make up more than 90 percent of the total cash receipts farmers receive every year.
What rank is Indiana in duck production? ›
When it comes to Indiana agriculture, you might think of corn, soybeans, wheat, pork, beef and dairy. But, did you know that Indiana is number one in the U.S. for duck production? That's because the state is known for a number of different commercial duck farms—including Maple Leaf Farms in Kosciusko County.
Why is Indiana called the popcorn State? ›
Indiana has other claims to popcorn fame, including being the home for Orville Redenbacher and Weaver, two of the largest popcorn companies in the nation. Pulaksi County is also known as "Popcorn Capital of the U.S." The Duckworths harvest popcorn for a company called Preferred Popcorn in Palmyra, Indiana.
What are some facts about popcorn in Indiana? ›
Indiana is important in popcorn. Second only to Nebraska, Indiana produces one quarter of the nation's popcorn, according to the USDA. As to popcorn history, you can find it right here in the Hoosier State.
What is the population of popcorn Indiana? ›
It's a small town, in the heart of corn country. Population 42.
What is Indiana ranked in corn production? ›
Categories
- Iowa. 2.5B.
- Illinois. 2.3B.
- Nebraska. 1.7B.
- Minnesota. 1.5B.
- Indiana. 1.1B.
- South Dakota. 854.2M.
- Ohio. 673.2M.
- Kansas. 612.9M.
Who are the top popcorn producers? ›
United States Popcorn Companies - Top Company List. ConAgra Foods Inc. PepsiCo Inc. Groupo Bimbo S.A.B.
Who is the largest popcorn manufacturer? ›
Weaver Popcorn Company, a family-owned and operated business and the global leader in the popcorn industry, was founded in 1928 by Reverend Ira Weaver.