As the wind rustles through rows of corn, James Simpson doesn’t hear the sound of a cash crop, he hears the sound of an experience.
You might not expect a farmer to enjoy strangers walking through a crop, but to Simpson and his family it means that people are enjoying themselves.
Featuring hayrides, bonfires, a corn cannon, and of course the massive corn maze, At’l Do Farms is an experience for all age groups. Of course the farm hasn’t always been used for a maze, Simpson explained. But farming has been an integral part of his family for generations.
“This maze is on land that goes back to my wife’s great grandparents,” Simpson said.
But switching from full-time production agriculture to opening a cornfield maze to the public was quite a leap for Simpson and his family.
“When we explained to my dad what we were going to do, he said ‘there ain’t no way somebody’s paying to walk through a corn field,’ but I said ‘well, we’ll see.’”
Simpson realized he needed the help of someone who had already started this type of venture. After researching several corn field maze companies, Simpson contacted The MAiZE, a consulting company that helps people set up their own maze and with marketing and advertising – areas for which Simpson admitted he wasn’t prepared.
“The transition to this type of field wasn’t hard as far as the agronomic aspect of it,” Simpson said. “It was the marketing and the advertising and public relations – just dealing with the public.”
The first year they tried a corn maze, Simpson said they had a great turnout, and nine years later, they show no signs of stopping.
A Family Tradition
Simpson grew up on a farm southwest of Muleshoe and completed his master’s degree in entomology at Texas Tech. That bond with Texas Tech has spread to his children, most notably his son Eric, a freshman studio art major, who was recruited to draw this year’s design.
“My parents came to me saying that they wanted to do something involving the university,” Eric said. “Since it’s my first year there, we really wanted to support Texas Tech.”
An iconic representation of Raider Red, Texas Tech’s rowdy, red-headed mascot, was drawn for this year’s corn maze and was an instant hit with folks around the South Plains.
“Before we could even send out media releases – people were already contacting us,” Simpson said.
While running the corn maze has its challenges, members of the Simpson family said the opportunity it gives other families to get away from the hustle and bustle of city life is worth taking the time to do each year.
“Farmers have something to offer. I never thought of the heritage, the tradition, the getting-back-to-your-roots aspect of it – but so many people continue to remind us of it,” Simpson said. “Whether they are from a rural area or urban – they see it through different eyes. And that has been one of the biggest encouragements for us. That has been a big surprise to me, that people really dig this stuff! As long as we can provide a clean, safe environment for families, we’ll continue to do this.”
Written by Jacob GrinnellCLICK HERE to view the whole article.
