In the fast-paced world of agriculture, few companies can claim the distinction of overseeing their product from start to finish. For the team at Poppin’ Cobs, their seed to shelf approach is not just a business model—it's the core of their identity.
As agricultural entrepreneurs, the team at Poppin’ Cobs embraces what they call, “a little bit of everything mentality.” One day may find them in the fields, working on a popcorn planter or selecting seed varieties, while the next might involve designing packaging or a sales call with a national store buyer.
The business is a family affair, with the Pottschmidt, Bechtel and Mummert families at the heart of the operation. Josh Pottschmidt, a graduate of Purdue University's College of Agriculture and Farm Credit Mid-America customer, grew up on a farm in southern Indiana, giving him deep ties to the agricultural industry. His wife, Kate, is credited with the original idea for microwaving a dried corn cob; a family experiment that evolved into their mission to create a healthier, more natural and fun way to enjoy popcorn.
Adam Bechtel, who met Josh at Purdue, brings his agricultural background to the business, working alongside his father-in-law, Ricky "Bill" Mummert, also a Farm Credit Mid-America customer, who farms popcorn for the company with his wife, Anne. The Mummert and Pottschmidt families cultivate corn, soybeans and popcorn across hundreds of acres in Indiana, with the Pottschmidts farming 115 acres in Jackson County and the Mummerts in Howard and Carroll counties
Poppin’ Cobs employs four full-time team members in addition to the founding families. Their popcorn is currently available in stores across the U.S. and Canada, as well as on their website and various e-commerce platforms.
For the team, the most rewarding part of their work is the people; the generous, dependable and dedicated individuals who make up the agricultural industry. They take pride in being a part of a team working toward the greater good of feeding the world. This sense of community extends to their rural roots, where they believe in working together and looking out for one another.
They shared having Farm Credit Mid-America as a trusted partner allows them to continue their work of growing and selling from seed to shelf. Their goal is to be a company their town is proud of, a place where accountability, pride and loyalty are not just words, but a way of life.
Visit our agricultural loans page to learn more about how Farm Credit Mid-America can support your operation.
