History of Rural Route 1 Popcorn Rural Route 1 Popcorn got its start in 1983 as a result of an experiment that turned into an opportunity to diversify and explore a new production crop. Biddick, Inc. (formerly Trelay Farms, Inc.) of Livingston, Wisconsin, has been a producer of seed corn since 1906 when the founder, Elmer Biddick made his first sale. Over the years, Trelay expanded its production and sales to include oats, winter wheat, barley, grasses, soybeans, alfalfa, cattle and finally popcorn. In 1983, when the government instituted a program (PIC) whereby farmers could choose to take their farmland out of production for a year and receive a government payment, Trelay was facing a decreased need for their primary product, seed corn. By then, the next two generations of Biddicks, Roger and Brad, made the decision to experiment with popcorn and make use of much of the same processing equipment as for the seed corn. Hence, Rural Route 1 Popcorn began with 25 acres. Today, several hundred of the 3000 farmed acres are dedicated to producing gourmet popcorn. Attention to detail and quality are the keys to the success of Rural Route 1 Popcorn, which is ear harvested and then hand sorted to select the most perfect ears. And, rather than choosing corn hybrids that have the highest yields, varieties are selected based primarily on taste and tenderness. This attention to quality, not quantity, assures excellent taste and delicate tenderness for the ultimate in gourmet popcorn. If you get to southwestern Wisconsin, visit our Rural Route 1 Popcorn Shop on Hwy. 18 in Montfort, for a truly mouthwatering experience. Free sampling of over a dozen or so unique flavors is a must. You will not be disappointed!