MI Back Forty Farm

06/01/2026

Checking emergence. For those of you who recall that corn is wind pollinated and our slake Effect Snow Hulless White has some genetically recessive traits…. Which side of the farm is this planted on? Let me know in the comments.

05/25/2026

Weedeating the fence line and I found this little bundle of cuteness!

05/20/2026

Planting is done just in time for some much needed rain. Tractor time is good time. Theee videos are me checking seed depth and spacing for population on some Macatawa Sunset Red Hulless. Things like differences in tire pressure, chain lubrication, chain slack, finger pickup residual torque, seed drop tube wear and planting speed all impact the population. Opener disk wear, soil hardness, speed, seed firmer strength, row unit and closing wheel force all impact seed depth. Too much information? 🍿=😁

05/19/2026

05/08/2026

Thanks again all whom I met at the Tulip Time Artisan Market! Farming begins with repairs… always! Wish me luck with this bearing replacement! 😎

05/03/2026

A sincere thanks to all of you great customers and visitors to the Tulip Time Artisan Market! What a great time on a beautiful day. So many great people from so many backgrounds and locations and yet so many common family memories. I can’t tell you how many times I heard things like “my grandpa grew some popcorn” or “ my mom always made popcorn for dinner on Sunday nights”. I loved talking with you repeat customers and friends. I met so many people from so many places, of course throughout MI, but also Indiana, Ohio, Wisconsin, Illinois, Virginia, Tennessee, Missouri, Texas, Florida, even the Netherlands and Honduras. What a great variety.

I hope you all enjoyed me talking about corn genetics, wind pollination, even soil biology and earthworms. LOL. 🤷 I can’t help it, I love bringing the agriculture to the people enjoying the food I grow.

Enjoy your popcorn, and thanks for once again showing me the awesomeness of our popcorn loving community.

Thank also to Shyle and all of the volunteers that make the market possible and all of the great artists and makers up and down the rows.

If you didn’t make it today, I’ll be there tomorrow as well. 10-5 at the fairgrounds. Hope to see you there

05/01/2026

Artisan Market at the fairgrounds. Saturday and Sunday 10am - 5 pm.
Stop by to try a sample and pick up you supply of local popcorn! Il be bringing about 860 pounds. Ask my back how I know. LOL. See you Saturday! I’ll be booth 215 in the north west corner area which is right where you found me before.

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The Tulip Time Makers Market hosts over 250 vendors and thousands of visitors. The Makers Market is a juried show; all artists display only handmade and original work.

10/13/2025

New Idea single row picker running.
As I wait for the corn to dry down, I made some repairs, adjustments, and lubricated the old picker. This is a dangerous piece of vintage equipment but it is necessary for the MI Back Forty Farm popcorn operation.
Let me know in the comments if you would like me to explain each section of the machine with it NOT running.

10/06/2025

Popcorn is more fun! 😎

10/04/2025

A huge thanks to all who stopped by the booth at the Tulip Time Fall Fest Artisan Market. Now right back at it…. Just left the booth and keep we movin…