Pauls Valley —
A well nurtured family tradition will grow with each generation and some of those traditions are a way of life that never lacks appreciation.
One such Pauls Valley ritual with plenty of support from one family and the community all to glad to take advantage of the benefits is the annual harvest of Pesterfield sweet corn. The practice began 38 years ago when W.C. Pesterfield planted the first acre of the golden treasure for his daughter Ginger Groth, who now lives in Scottsdale, Arizona as a part of a 4-H project.
“They have a good time at it, gives kids a chance to make summer money,” said Pesterfield. “We enjoy the camaraderie during that time.”
What started as a side project is at 17 acres this year and averages about 1,800 to 2,800 bushels of corn sold or given as gifts, noted Pesterfield. It doesn’t take long for people to clear out the crop, which is grown in the Kandy or Incredible variety, where they can pick it themselves or pay extra to snag a bag or more already prepared.
“Everyone seems to like fresh vegetables, but the top of the list is sweet corn,” said Pesterfield. “It’s an easy place to find and we try to advertise in a 60 mile radius.”
Close to 30 people set to work either picking or sorting corn Tuesday, getting out in the fields around 6:30 each morning, said Pesterfield. While several kids out of school for the break do help each time around, most of the picking operations are organized by Miguel Meuve using a tractor to carry well over 100 bushels each trip with 700 bushels being the record picked in a day.
Yet, over the years Pesterfield said the biggest help running the show comes from family, which is now in the third generation. Six grandkids had come in to town by Thursday and were on hand to take care of filling in where they were needed.
“My daughter Ginger comes down... she basically takes the lead,” said Pesterfield. “I really don’t know that I would do it without her.”
Production has been decent enough this time around, though the wind has been more of a problem than previous years. Keeping some of the stalks up has been a challenge and the heavy rains also stunted the height of plants in a couple fields.
Most of the corn he plants is on family property, though Pesterfield said he rents land from Covercraft and receives permission to plant on a plot near Haliburton. He usually gives about 20 bushels to Haliburton for use of their land and gives a significant discount to Covercraft employees as well.
The biggest orders that come at a time average 40 to 50 bushels, but as large as 120 bushels for a single order on occasion have been placed for those who resell later, said Pesterfield. Most of what is sold is to individuals who drive up looking for good eats.
When it comes to personal preference, Pesterfield said he enjoys eating corn right off the cob, though grilled in the shuck is never turned down. He added that as long as he enjoys the process he plans on planting and cultivating it for years to come.
“I was raised on a farm and have farmed all of my life,” said Pesterfield. “I enjoy dealing with the public, they seem to enjoy getting fresh produce and it’s an extra source of farm income.”
Local News
Related Photos
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W.C. Pesterfield and several hired workers unload sweet corn from the back of a trailer Thursday as a part of the harvest that started Tuesday on his land off of US 77 North. Residents from all over Garvin County had the chance to buy the crop by the bushel pre-picked or those which they picked themselves. Ezra Mann
Discussion
Sweet corn a 38 year tradition for PV family
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