ZEELAND, Mich. — One West Michigan farm is reflecting on a successful season for sweet corn. Foxy Farms in Zeeland is owned by Chad Lamar and his wife.
To go from seed to harvest it takes 78 days. Lamar said the planting process is done in three stages.
"The first stage we had planted in a greenhouse, and then hand transplanted it," said Lamar. "And then our second, third stage was all planted seed, right from seed to ground."
When it comes to the planting, Lamar said he's a "little bit vintage." He plants with an old corn planter.
"It's kind of fun to run," Lamar said of the old corn planter.
The seeds were planted back in April. Foxy Farms, located on 34th Street between Adams and 146th, is now getting ready to literally harvest the benefits of all their work.
"This corn is starting to silk," said Lamar. "Obviously the ears are pretty small yet but from this point we know the corn's probably a good two, three weeks away."
Lamar said they'll still be watching out for insects such as ear worms or corn borers. However, he said it's been a good year so far. The main reason for that is the recent rain, which he said is very good for corn.
"We haven't had to do much irrigation," said Lamar. "The rain brings other issues with our vine plants and brings in a lot of funguses. But as far as sweet corn, it's been a very good year."
While Foxy Farms can only plant, grow and harvest at certain times, they do all of those things in a way that allows them to sell fresh sweet corn as often as they can at their stand. By planting in the greenhouse first and then moving outside once the ground is warm enough, they have corn ready for harvest at different times.
The stand, located out in front of the farm, is open 24/7. If you're looking to buy corn or any other produce, Lamar said it's important to support local farms.
"We put a lot of time, effort and love into what we're doing," he said. "We focus more on the product. It's not any type of big-scale operation. It's currently more of a hobby for my wife and I, but we put a lot of pride in each cob of corn that goes on our stand for sale."
Lamar said they also take the time to look closely at each cob of corn to make sure it's up to standard to go on their wagon.
"I don't think you get that at a grocery store," he said. "Shop locally as much as you can. Hit your local farmers' markets. You won't be disappointed. You know, you may be paying a little bit more, but the taste is way better than what you get at your local grocery store."