Ohio Farmers Pop Into Profits: Inside the Growing Market for Popcorn Production

Ohio AgNet’s Dusty Sonnenberg takes us up in the cab with a popcorn farmer bringing in this year’s haul.

HENRY COUNTY, OHIO (Ohio Ag Net) — To the untrained eye, a field of corn looks the same as the next, but we all know that is not true.

Ohio Ag Net’s Dusty Sonnenberg takes us to Henry County for this unique perspective from inside the cab with Mark Hoorman of New Vision Farms to talk about the practice of growing popcorn. The two dive into a discussion about how the crop differs from field corn, the equipment practices it demands, and how the market has changed for Ohio producers in recent years.

The 2022 Census of Agriculture shows Ohio farmers brought in around 14,000 acres of popcorn that year.

Related Stories
Traders are keeping a close eye on China’s soybean purchases as markets track export sales, shipments, and progress toward the ‘magical’ 12 million ton target promised last year.
Winter Weather, Drought Shape Early 2026 Farm Conditions
As domestic production and blending slowed, export demand remained a clear bright spot.
Higher ethanol blend rates translate directly into stronger, more durable corn demand if regulatory momentum holds.
FarmHER Nikki Boxler, aka The Maple Farmer, blends tradition with innovation, tapping into a bold new future for maple syrup.
Strong export demand supports feed grain prices, but drought risk and seasonal patterns favor disciplined early-year marketing.

LATEST STORIES BY THIS AUTHOR:

Texas Agriculture Commissioner Sid Miller discusses the state’s latest efforts to prevent the New World screwworm from reaching Texas.
Economists are also closely watching how policy decisions in Washington could influence markets moving forward. Analysts say deferred futures for corn, soybeans, and wheat suggest markets are operating near break-even levels, not at prices that would encourage expanded production.
House Agriculture Committee Chairman “GT” Thompson is pushing a “Farm Bill 2.0.”
University of Nebraska President Dr. Jeffrey Gold joined us with important insights on drug safety and rural health during the winter months.
Quinn Rutt of Upstream Ranch previews the Nebraska cattle operation’s 49th Annual Production Sale where buyers can expect standout sire groups and a blend of long-standing ranch practices with modern genetic selection.
Jim Matheson, CEO of the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association, provides new updates on winter storm impacts and the outlook for rural power reliability.
Agriculture Shows
Special 3-part series tells the story of the Claas family’s legacy, which changed agriculture forever.
From soil to harvest. Top Crop is an all-new series about four of the best farmers in the world—Dan Luepkes, of Oregan, Illinois; Cory Atley, of Cedarville, Ohio; Shelby Fite, of Jackson Center, Ohio; Russell Hedrick, of Hickory, North Carolina—reveals what it takes for them to make a profitable crop. It all starts with good soil, patience, and a strong planter setup.
Champions of Rural America is a half-hour dive into the legislative priorities for Rural America. Join us as we interview members of the Congressional Western Caucus to learn about efforts in Washington to preserve agriculture and tackles the most important topics in the ag industry on Champions of Rural America!
Featuring members of Congress, federal and state officials, ag and food leaders, farmers, and roundtable panelists for debates and discussions.