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.
History and Consumption of Popcorn
Popcorn is an ancient food. The oldest known ears of popcorn date back 4,000 years. The traditional Corn Belt states grow most U.S. popcorn: Illinois, Iowa, Nebraska, Minnesota, Indiana, Wisconsin, Michigan, South Dakota, Kansas, Missouri, Kentucky and Ohio. Nebraska has been the largest producer of popcorn in the United States from 1977 through 2010, growing more than 25 percent of the nation’s popcorn. High irrigation rates are at least partly responsible for Nebraska’s popcorn success.
Indiana’s Popcorn Industry
Hoosiers eat and sell a lot of popcorn. Some of the top popcorn sellers are based in Indiana, including Orville Redenbacher and Weaver Popcorn. Americans eat popcorn anywhere but most eat it while watching movies.
Popcorn Facts and Celebrations
Popcorn comes in two basic shapes – butterfly and mushroom. What holiday is January 19th? National Popcorn Day.
The Corn Belt and Popcorn Varieties
The United States grows – and consumes — most of the world’s popcorn. The 12 states in the Corn Belt are Illinois, Iowa, Nebraska, Minnesota, Indiana, Wisconsin, Michigan, South Dakota, Kansas, Missouri, Kentucky and Ohio. Each spring, farmers plant popcorn seeds about 1.5 inches deep and 6 inches apart in the soil. That’s nearly 28,000 seeds per acre.
Ohio’s Non-GMO Popcorn
Ohio grows NON-GMO Corn. We’re proud of the seed Ohio is producing and feature these crisp popcorn flakes in every one of our products; whether it’s popped with our signature plump mushroom-flake yellow corn or the light butterfly-flake white popcorn.
Leading Producer of Popcorn
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."