G78-426 Popcorn Production

This NebGuide addresses seed selection, soil requirements, production management, pest control, marketing and sale of popcorn. Commercial popcorn production in the United States has always been concentrated in the Corn Belt. Iowa was the largest popcorn producer until the mid 1940s. As hybrids replaced open-pollinated varieties, popcorn production shifted to Illinois then to Indiana. During the mid 1970s popcorn production moved west, and in 1977 Nebraska became the nation\u27s largest producer. During the 1980s popcorn acreage has fluctuated among states, but Nebraska often has had the nation\u27s highest yield because 85 percent of its crop is irrigated