Latest news with #sweetcorn
Yahoo
10-07-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Central Illinois family farms picking, selling corn until sold out
CENTRAL ILLINOIS (WCIA) — Family farms all over Central Illinois are starting to sell sweet corn. Lingley Brothers Sweetcorn started selling their sweetcorn Monday — about a week earlier than expected, due to the recent high heat and heavy rainfall. They held a stand in Hoopeston, Tilton and Rantoul on Tuesday as well. Workers were up at 4 a.m. to begin harvesting the corn by hand, then started selling it at 10 a.m. until they sold out. Corn crops way past 'knee high at the Fourth of July' in Central Illinois For some, however, sweetcorn is more than just a job; it's a family tradition. 'Once it's sweetcorn season, my brother, my sisters, my brothers-in-law, my friends, they all come out and they help,' Megan West, whose parents bought the company in 2000, said. 'So it's a lot of fun going out and spending extra time with the people that I care about.' The stands in Hoopeston, Tilton and Rantoul will open at 10 a.m. again on Wednesday. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
05-07-2025
- General
- Yahoo
OSU Extension: Many corn fields reach knee high by the 4th of July
Many would agree that few scenes in Fairfield County speak summer as the seas of green presented by fields of growing corn. In fact, nearly 60,000 acres of land in our county are dedicated in any given year to growing this peculiar grass species. Known in the botanical world by its scientific name, Zea mays, corn comes in a multitude of varieties. A favorite of many is sweet corn, the satisfying, crisp summer treat that even managed to get a festival named after it. Most of us have memories of shucking corn in preparation for dinnertime, painstakingly removing hundreds of pesky silks. What purpose do these threads serve, anyway? It turns out, a pretty important one! Let's take moment to examine 'the birds and the bees' of this valuable plant. Corn is typically planted in large monocultures. Each year in July, the careful observer will notice the emergence of yellow plumes reaching for the sky from the very top of the plant. Known to most as corn tasseling, these golden strands mark the commencement of corn reproduction. Each tassel houses a plethora of pollen grains, between 14 million and 18 million, resembling a fine yellow powder that is easily dispersed by the wind. These grains contain the male corn genes, half of what is needed for a new corn kernel. Meanwhile, a few feet below await the female components needed for procreation. Not yet developed into the kernel-lined ears we are familiar with, hundreds of minuscule flowers are aligned on small, sheathed cobs, jutting upward toward their male counterparts. Each of these tiny female flowers have the ability to develop into a kernel of corn… but only if a grain of pollen can find its way to it! The process is further complicated by the fact that these female flowers and their cobs are enveloped by a husk and completely sheltered from the world, thus not allowing the pollen to make direct contact. Instead, each female flower sends out a single, sticky strand of silk with the purpose of securing a floating grain of corn pollen, much the same as casting a fishing line from the bank of a pond. It is no coincidence that these silky strands emerge on the very same day the tassel is set to release its powdery pollen. The story only gets stranger when a grain of pollen aligns with the tip of a strand of silk. Once recognized, it tunnels its way down through the thread to finally unite and fertilize the awaiting female flower. This entire process can take several hours to complete, and upon achievement the silky threads almost immediately begin to dry up. The small, underdeveloped kernels you often find towards the end of an ear of corn are the result of flowers that were unsuccessful in engaging male suitors to venture down their tubes of silk, thus are not successfully pollinated. So, the next time you smell that wondrously bright, musky odor emerging from a neighboring sweet corn field, you'll know that love is, indeed, in the air. Source: Carrie Brown, Extension Educator, OSU Extension-Fairfield County Did you know the Fairfield County Agricultural Society was formed in 1850 with the purpose of the improvement of agricultural crops with cash premiums being paid for the best livestock, grain, vegetables and other Farm Products. For example, in 1930, a single ear entry of Country Gentlemen Sweet Corn was awarded $1.50 premium for first place and 75 cents for second place. Golden Bantam Sweet Corn was also awarded $1.50 for first place and 75 cents for second place. Be sure to mark your calendar now for the kick-off of the 175th Fairfield County Fair slated for Sunday, October 5, 2025, and don't forget to check out the ever-popular grain and crop displays located in the Art Hall! Attention home canners… Dial gauge pressure canners should be tested annually to ensure accuracy and safety in food preservation. Testing ensures the canner reaches the correct pressure and temperature for safe food preservation. Pressure canners with weighted gauges do not need to be tested. You only need to bring the pressure canner lid with dial gauge to be tested. Canning factsheets are available upon request. Testing is free and takes less than 5 minutes to complete. Extension Educator, Shannon Carter, will be testing dial gauges from 8:30 a.m. to noon Saturday, July 12 at the Keller Farmers' Market located on West Chestnut Street between Broad Street and Columbus Street. You may also schedule an appointment by calling the Extension office at 740-653-5419. Let's Preserve Series Are you planning to preserve summer produce? Join us for any or all of the following preserving programs presented by Shannon Carter, Family and Consumer Sciences Educator and Sandy Bohl, Instructor, with Ohio State University Extension Fairfield County. Classes will be offered in person at Keller Market House and Pickerington and Baltimore libraries. There is no cost for attendance, but registration is requested to reserve your space. Keller Market House, 134 S. Columbus St. Freezing: Thursday, July 10, 6 to 7 p.m. Dehydrating: Thursday, August 14, 6 to 7 p.m. Registration: info@ Pickerington Library, 201 Opportunity Way Freezing: Tuesday, July 8, 6 to 7 p.m. Dehydrating: Tuesday, July 22, 6 to 7 p.m. Canning Basics (water bath/pressure): Tuesday, August 12, 6 to 7:30 p.m. Registration: Baltimore Branch Library, 205 E Market St Canning Basics (water bath/pressure): Thursday, August 14, 10:30 am to 12 p.m Registration: Questions: contact Shannon Carter, carter.413@ or 740-653-5419 This article originally appeared on Lancaster Eagle-Gazette: Many corn fields reach knee high by the 4th of July
South China Morning Post
03-07-2025
- Lifestyle
- South China Morning Post
Why fresh corn on the cob is my taste of summer, plus my weird way of eating it
Summer is most definitely here in Hong Kong again. While I loathe the season's stifling heat, I am excited by its delicious bounty of summer fruits and produce. Most people associate summer with things like watermelon, citrus fruit and Mediterranean vegetables such as tomatoes, aubergines and zucchinis. For me, one crop above all others quintessentially conjures sunshine, picnics and warm holiday eating like no other. That item is sweetcorn. Right now, they are in peak season. In Wan Chai's busy wet market recently, I found vendors selling large stacks for as little as four for HK$10 (US$1.30). That is crazily cheap! Naturally, I loaded up and had corn all week for breakfast, lunch and even a midnight snack. I especially like its versatility. You can boil it, grill it, top it with salt and lime – or cheese and chilli powder. In the microwave, leaving the husk on will allow the corn to steam nicely inside. On the barbecue, the husk protects the flesh from being burned while the charred covering adds a wonderful smokiness. Boiled sweetcorn rubbed with a bit of butter is a classic dish. Photo: Shutterstock The most decadent method I have heard is to slow cook it in a butter bath of half butter and half water. Some recipes even suggest using milk instead of water for extra creaminess, but just as many people say that is overkill. My fondness for sweetcorn harks back to childhood. I recall devouring it on the cob during summer school breaks. I would come home after riding my bike or playing, and mom would prepare a freshly boiled pile on the kitchen counter. It is one of the few vegetables that, as a kid, I would eat as a snack.
CTV News
06-06-2025
- Business
- CTV News
Lafferty Farms no longer selling sweet corn
Lafferty Farms has made the decision to retire from selling sweet corn in Windsor-Essex. The family has been a prominent place to get sweet corn in the community for 49 years. 'Our family made the decision to return to our roots of exclusive cash crop farming,' said the Lafferty family in a statement. 'We would like to take this opportunity to thank the entire community for your unwavering support, which made our sweet corn business such a success.' A special thanks was also extended to the local students and seasonal staff from Mexico who have helped throughout the years in the process. 'Giving back to our community has always been important to us,' the statement continued. 'Each season, we donated our farm fresh produce to the Plentiful Harvest Food Rescue Program and to other local food banks. We are truly grateful for the community's patronage and loyalty to Lafferty Farms.'
The Sun
17-05-2025
- General
- The Sun
The 7 plants to get in the ground this month, and you'll have a veg patch bursting with life in just eight weeks
IT might seem like too much hard work to some, but there are others desperate to grow their own vegetables and herbs. And with the average time waiting for an allotment in the UK reaching a staggering 37 months, more and more people are choosing to start their own vegetable patches at home. 3 3 Not only does growing produce in the back garden help save money on groceries during the cost of living crisis, it also helps reduce your carbon footprint. While you might not realise it, now is the perfect time of year to get your patches planted - and there are seven plants you need to get in the ground this month. Beetroot "Beetroots don't need much encouragement to grow, making them a low maintenance veg to grow," the sustainability team at 100Green said. To get started, sow your seeds 2.5cm deep with 10cm spaces between them. Remember to water them regularly - usually every 10 to 14 days - but they may require more in dry spells. If you stick to this regime, your beetroot will be ready to harvest after just eight to 10 weeks. Sweetcorn It's worth adding some sweetcorn to the patch too. Just start by sowing it in a small pot and keep it inside as they need warmth to germinate. You can then move them outside - to a sunny, sheltered area - once they reach 8cm in height and we're past any risk of evening frost. Alan Titchmarsh's 'easiest' tip will fix bald patches on your lawn in two minutes flat this spring & no it's not seeding Again, remember to water them regularly, as they need around one inch of water a week. They'll be ready to harvest when the silky tassel on them has turned brown. Carrots Carrots are another easy veg to start with, as you can sow them directly into the ground. Water them every fortnight, and prepare to harvest them 12 to 16 weeks after planting. Tomatoes Tomatoes make the perfect addition to the vegetable patch for late May, as they do best in warmer soil temperatures of around 13 to 16C. Pop them in a sheltered, sunny spot, and when the first tomato appears, be sure to remove the leaves around them. May gardening jobs The Sun's Gardening Editor, Veronica Lorraine, has shared the tasks you need to crack on with in May. GARDEN growth can go from nought to ninety in May, depending on the weather. The last UK frosts are generally seen at the beginning of the month, so all of a sudden there's so much more to do and grow. Plant out dahlia tubers It's a joy to finally plant out your dahlia tubers. Remember how big they can get - and space accordingly - anything up to half a metre apart. It's a good idea to put your support stakes in now instead of trying to work around them. And make sure you include lots of well rotted manure or decent compost to feed it and then mulch to keep it moist and suppress weeds. They generally start blooming in July. Final feed to Spring flowers You can give a cheeky feed to all your remaining tulips and daffodils. Although the majority of bulbs aren't guaranteed to come back year after year any more, as long as you've left them to die back naturally there's a good chance they'll have stored enough energy to come back again. Tomato feed is fine. Tie up climbers Your clematis, honeysuckle and rambling roses should be well on their way by now - try to use plastic free string to tie them back into their support, or tuck them round each other to make sure they don't sprout off in crazy directions. Feed the lawn It's not too late to give your lawn a good feed. Whether you use granular or liquid, it can give it a good boost to see it through the harsher summer months. While mowing, don't go too low with your cut length yet and never take more than a third off the grass height. Get creative It's also time to get creative with hanging baskets and pots. Trailing pelargoniums, which a lot of people call geraniums, and Begonias are a good, low cost way of getting lovely returning blooms throughout the summer in your baskets. And pots can be planted with spring bulbs. Don't forget the greenhouse! Give your greenhouse a good tidy and clean the glass inside and out. The improved light will help plants grow quicker inside and tidying is good for the soul. You can just use a household white wine vinegar and water solution - or even neat if you're feeling spendy - which gives a really good shine. This means they will continue to get as much sun as possible until they ripen and are ready to harvest. Herbs Herbs are another plant that you can grow at home - with basil top of the list. "Basil is perfect for growing herbs in pots, you can sow them from May and pot them in a pot after they've grown slightly," the sustainability pros advised. "They do well with plenty of light and warmth so you can even keep them on your windowsill while they grow." Don't water them too much as basil doesn't like sitting in wet soil. "Use scissors to cut a lead stem just above a pair of leaves to help encourage your basil to grow and become bushier," they added. Another herb that makes a delicious addition to your cooking is parsley, which can be sown directly into soil. Remember to keep it well watered - at least two to three times a week - and pick it as you need it throughout the summer and autumn. And dill completes the herby triad. "Sow dill seeds into soil around 1cm deep and keep them well watered (1-2 times per week)," the experts said. "It's usually best to use the leaves fresh, so don't harvest until you're ready to use them!" 3
