Mason County, located in Central Illinois between Peoria and Springfield, is located in what many call the “Imperial Valley of the Midwest.” In contrast to other farming areas around the state, Mason County fields include a large amount of sand. With modern irrigation technology, the fields have become plentiful for crops not commonly found in Illinois, including popcorn.

Nearly 20,000 acres of land in Mason County is dedicated towards producing popcorn, more than any other county nationwide. The county also is number one statewide in the number of acres dedicated to vegetables, snap beans and watermelon.

Learn more:
Nation’s top popcorn-producing county in Illinois (AgriNews)