Ontario family grows 'corn-erstone' of any movie night
Popcorn is the 'corn-erstone' of any movie night, and the Townsend family in Walsingham, Ont. have been growing the specialty crop for over three decades
"We started the popcorn business in 1985," says Blair Townsend, who took over the family farm from his father.
Traditionally it was a tobacco farm and still produced that crop until 2008. Popping corn was grown on the side until that point, when Blair and wife Lyvia made the switch full time.
"At the time I said I’d give it five years, and within that five years I could see there was real possibilities," says Blair.
Popping corn is a niche crop according to Lyvia
"Very few, very few. We are the largest in Ontario as far as the studies have gone and what they research we are the largest in Ontario, actually the largest in Canada, I believe, in growing popping corn."
One of the misconceptions the family hears often is that it’s just like normal field corn, and according to Mitchell Townsend, that might be true at first look, but as the plant develops the cobs are more slender and the kernels take on a more rounded shape…and are much harder.
"With field corn, you could take it and bite it, and you will bite through it. With our popping corn you might break a tooth."
Ontario Popping Corn is the company name, but it’s brand 'Uncle Bob's Popcorn' was selected to be featured in Loblaws 'local' program at the start of 2021.
The program features made-in-Ontario products, and 'Uncle Bob's' is continuing to add to the offerings.
"We’ve got our dill [pickle seasoning, our salt 'n vinegar seasoning, our rainbow jars, and organic butterfly corn as well," says Tanner Townsend.
The company also sells wholesale to other companies and specializes in different coloured kernels that have different textures and tastes depending on the variety.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Flights divert around western Iran as one report says explosions heard near Isfahan
Commercial flights began diverting their routes early Friday morning over western Iran without explanation as one semiofficial news agency in the Islamic Republic claimed there had been 'explosions' heard over the city of Isfahan. State television acknowledged 'loud noise.'
American millionaire Jonathan Lehrer denied bail after being charged with killing Canadian couple
American millionaire Jonathan Lehrer, one of two men charged in the killings of a Canadian couple in Dominica, has been denied bail.
Nearly half of China's major cities are sinking, researchers say
Nearly half of China's major cities are suffering 'moderate to severe' levels of subsidence, putting millions at risk of flooding especially as sea levels rise.
Prince Harry formally confirms he is now a U.S. resident
Prince Harry, the son of King Charles III and fifth in line to the British throne, has formally confirmed he is now a U.S. resident.
Judge says 'no evidence fully supports' murder case against Umar Zameer as jury starts deliberations
The judge presiding over the trial of a man accused of fatally running over a Toronto police officer is telling jurors the possible verdicts they may reach based on the evidence in the case.
Health Canada to change sperm donor screening rules for men who have sex with men
Health Canada will change its longstanding policy restricting gay and bisexual men from donating to sperm banks in Canada, CTV News has learned. The federal health agency has adopted a revised directive removing the ban on gay, bisexual and other men who have sex with men, effective May 8.
Colin Jost names one celebrity who is great at hosting 'Saturday Night Live'
Colin Jost, who co-anchors Saturday Night Live's 'Weekend Update,' revealed who he thinks is one of the best hosts on the show.
Sports columnist apologizes for 'oafish' comments directed at Caitlin Clark. The controversy isn't over
A male columnist has apologized for a cringeworthy moment during former University of Iowa superstar and college basketball's highest scorer Caitlin Clark's first news conference as an Indiana Fever player.
'Shopaholic' author Sophie Kinsella reveals brain cancer diagnosis
Sophie Kinsella, the best-selling author behind the 'Shopaholic' book series, has revealed that she is receiving treatment for brain cancer.