This week I’ve been writing a lot about Hopi corn beyond the mesas. And yet, the more I write about Hopi corn in Illinois, the more I think about corn back home. Here’s a scene (depicted in the photo) that one can never replicate in the Midwest, or any other place besides the Hopi mesas of northeastern Arizona.
Beyond the Mesas 
My grandfather of English descent was a cotton grower in West Texas in the early 1900’s. The corn he grew for his family and animals was planted in long straight furrows. Rainfall was scanty – often times non-existent, but it would probably have been a blessing by mesa standards. Like the Hopi, there was no irrigation – just prayer and chopping weeds. I’m curious about the film and it’s focus. It looks as though all varieties will be planted in a similar method, but will they all be watered and cared for in the same manner?
I am looking forward to photos of the plants’ progress, and the knowledge gained from the experience. Hopefully, we will see the film on PBS stations.
Jeanell, thanks for your comment! Yes, all of the varieties of corn will be cared for in the same manner. Also, the students planted the seeds in the same way – one seed at a time – 10 or so inches apart (unlike the way Hopi farmers plant corn back home). Thanks again for your comment and interest in the film. I’ll continue blogging about it throughout the summer. Hopefully these posts will provide people with a bit more clarification about the focus of the film.