The 85-acre Riehle farm just outside of Sunman has been in that family since 1910, and while many traditional crops have ripened in its fertile fields over the decades, in the past eight years some of those acres seem to be having more fun. The reason is that Eric and Lisa Riehle are growing popcorn! Popcorn mogul and fellow Hoosier, Orville Redenbacher, would have applauded their entrepreneurial spirit.

“We wanted our own farming operation, but we knew it would be difficult raising corn and soybeans,” Riehle told Doug Kirby of the Ripley County Farm Service Agency for an article in The FSA Courier. And, while it may sound like a whimsical crop to grow, Lisa reports some practical advantages that raising popcorn has over traditional crops including, popcorn sales do not depend on the grain market and it is sold by the pound. Kirby praised, “Their attitude and enthusiasm are contagious.”

Eric Riehle started out growing just one variety eight years ago, growing popcorn in bulk for, and learning from, a popcorn business based in Wisconsin. One year later he and Lisa were married. “It was a struggle starting up,” confesses Lisa. However, Lisa explains that they entered into both their marriage and the business bolstered by their shared faith in God’s plan for them. “Our beliefs play a big part in how we approach everything in life,” Lisa shared.

What is also apparent is that the couple’s common sense, intelligence, determination and hard work are contributing factors to their success. When they decided to build an operation around growing and selling popcorn, Eric researched what would be needed. With some help and guidance from the FSA, they erected a building that houses cleaning and processing equipment, storage space and a small but efficient business office. The Riehles then purchased some of the highly specialized equipment they needed “used” at significant savings. They also package and label gourmet popcorn for a New Mexico company, trading those services for packaging and labeling equipment used for their own brand.

The Riehles’ equipment also assists other local farmers. Eric and Lisa told The FSA Courier, “Not only are we able to grow, process and distribute our popcorn, our equipment has helped other farmers in the community. We clean wheat for one local farmer and another neighbor uses our unused popcorn as cattle feed.”

Although Riehle’s Select Popping Corn is a, pardon the pun, growing concern, Eric still works with dad, Mark Riehle, in his row crop operation and drives a school bus for additional income and health insurance. The young family now includes children Abigail, 6, Matthew, 4, and Benjamin, 1. And, with three kids and a burgeoning business to attend to, calling Lisa a “stay-at-home mom” is a bit of a stretch. She also works side-by-side with Eric and is the farm accountant. “It keeps us hopping,” Lisa laughed.

Much of Riehle’s Select Popping Corn sales are generated at www.selectpopcorn.com, their website. It advertises 13 varieties, some of which are blends. Also available are gift sets, a “whirley popper” old-time stove top popping pan, seasonings and special oil. Some of the tantalizing types of gourmet popcorn they sell are: Baby Yellow - advertised as their top seller - small, tender and “hulless”; Rainbow Delight - includes big, medium and small popcorn with one great taste; and, Ruby Red - crunchy, nutty tasting.

Their products are also available at retail outlets including Mary’s Shoppes in Osgood, Not Just Popcorn in Edinburgh, IGA in Sunman, A Touch of Country Florals & Gifts in Versailles and others (listed on the website).

Although they have not yet landed a contract with a major retailer, they think that just might be a part of the “plan” for their future.

SUBMITTED PHOTO Eric and Lisa Riehle enjoy growing a variety of popcorn on their Sunman farm. Here the couple is pictured with their children, Abigail, 6, Matthew, 4, and Benjamin, 1.