From Bushels to Blasts: How a Corn Cannon Saved the Day
There’s nothing quite like a fresh idea popping up just when you need it most. At Howell’s, we’ve faced more than a few farming curveballs, especially when prices and weather don’t go our way. But when corn started stacking up and profits started shrinking, we knew we had to get creative.
That’s how our corn cannon came to be—one clever twist that turned surplus into smiles. And wouldn’t you know it, it’s just another reason why our pumpkin patch is such a blast to visit every fall.
Finding Fun in the Unexpected
Farming has always been about adapting. Whether it’s rotating crops, tweaking greenhouse methods, or finding a use for surplus corn, the goal is the same—keep the land alive and the farm thriving. A few years back, we found ourselves staring at an abundance of corn that wasn’t worth much at market. Instead of getting discouraged, we got creative in turning corn into fun—something that caught the attention of many.
And that’s how the corn cannon was born. What started as a “what if” around the dinner table quickly became a full-blown attraction. The concept? Simple: take an ear of corn, load it into a specially designed air cannon, and launch it toward fun, quirky targets set up around the farm.
A Corn Cannon Is Born
When we first rolled out the cannon (no pun intended), we weren’t sure what kind of reaction we’d get. Turns out, nothing brings out the competitive spirit quite like a chance to shoot corn through the air.
The Nuts and Bolts
Built right here on the farm, our corn cannon combines a bit of physics with a whole lot of fun. Guests step up to the platform, aim the cannon, and pull the trigger to send a cob flying. We’ve set up themed targets—think goofy characters, seasonal symbols, and even old farm tools—for folks to test their aim.
We’ve seen families cheer each other on, coworkers go head-to-head in friendly competition, and more than a few grandparents totally crush it. It’s silly, it’s satisfying, and it turns out corn has more uses than just feed and fuel.
More Than a Laugh
What we love most is how something so simple can bring so many people together. It’s not just about launching corn—it’s about laughing with your kids, surprising your spouse with bullseye accuracy, or high-fiving a stranger who nailed the target. The corn cannon reminds us that joy can grow in unexpected places, even out of a tough situation.
Everything Else You’ll Find on the Farm
While the corn cannon might be one of our more unconventional creations, it fits right in with the full-day fun we’ve got going on every fall. There’s a reason Howell’s has become a go-to destination for families, field trips, and weekend wanderers.
Fall Favorites and Fresh Air
We’ve packed our farm with activities for every age and energy level. Want to climb, crawl, and race? Head to our obstacle course, jump pad, and pedal go-karts. Prefer something more relaxed? Take a scenic wagon ride, feed the goats, or explore our chalk farm. And don’t forget the 8-acre corn maze—it’s a right of passage around here!
Little ones love our swings, wiggle cars, duck races, and hamster wheels, while grown-ups can’t resist a good turn at the paintball range or a cozy spot on the observation deck. And yes, we still have that corn pool (just wait until you see it).
Tastes of the Season
Of course, no visit is complete without some farm-fresh treats. We’ve got caramel apples sticky enough to make your dentist nervous, warm kettle corn straight from the popper, and apple cider mini donuts that never last long. Add a pumpkin bar or cider slush to the mix, and you’ve got the makings of a perfect fall day.
Harvesting Joy
What started as a way to get creative with a pile of extra corn turned into something that reflects the heart of Howell’s: finding joy in the work, sharing fun with others, and turning every challenge into an opportunity to grow. Farming isn’t always easy, but the connections we make and the memories we help create? Those are priceless.
So this fall, if you’re looking for a new adventure, some fresh air, and a whole lot of laughter, swing by the farm. Grab a caramel apple, give the goats a scratch, and take your best shot with the corn cannon. We promise it’s more fun than you ever thought a flying cob of corn could be.
And hey, while you’re here, don’t forget to explore the pumpkin patch. Whether you’re searching for the perfect jack-o’-lantern canvas or just love the look of a wagon full of orange orbs, it’s a seasonal tradition you won’t want to miss.
