With cornhole and corn cannons ready to go, Steed’s Dairy Farm will invite the public for its annual introduction of the thirteenth corn maze, which spans five acres.
This year maze celebrates the Atlanta Braves and Georgia Bulldogs’ championship. The corn maze features both teams and outlines the state of Georgia.
Originally planning to open a creamery and sell milk over a decade ago, owner of the farm, Jim Steed, said he first opened the maze to attract clientele, and it became an unexpected tradition.
General admission gives attendees access to hayrides, a pumpkin patch, real cow-milking demonstration, petting zoo, a giant jumping pillow, a kid’s play area and pony cart rides.
Steed said he began to prepare for the maze at the beginning of summer and had to order special tropical corn that could withstand the hot weather.
Although he usually tries to keep the theme neutral, Steed said this year’s corn maze design was suggested to him by family who were fans.
“They wanted it to be Georgia and Braves themed, and I just drew something up,” he said. “Everyone liked it.”
Steed said he wants to use his farm to encourage families to spend time outdoors together away from video games and television.
“I like seeing families out here together and fathers playing with their kids on the weekends,” he said.
Steed said his family has owned the farm since 1934. It has been passed down through three generations so far. His favorite part of the farm is thinking back on the many memories he and his family have made over the years.
Although Steed’s father and brother have passed, the farm helps him remember them and their wonderful life together.
“The memories that I’ve had growing up here and every corner has a memory. Every fence line has a memory and that’s the thing I like,” he said. “My dad – he’s passed away – my brother’s passed away, but I remember them here. I don’t have to go to a cemetery.”
Although Steed wishes his father could see the success of the corn maze, he likes to believe his dad is happily watching over him and the farm.
During the year, Steed said the farm hosts a variety of events including birthday parties, church gatherings, field trips and even the occasional music concert.
As vice chairman of the Direct Marketing/Agritourism committee with the Georgia Farm Bureau, Steed enjoys hosting field trips and partnering with local schools to educate over 15,000 students on conservation, food, farming and animal care.
“The problem is, when I was growing up, everybody had an uncle or a grandpa that had a farm. Nowadays kids don’t have that, so I feel it’s important to show them where the food comes from,” he said. “So we actually have a class that we do on field trips which tells them all about the animals and all about proper eating and everything else.”
To help educate students, Steed’s farm houses several types of animals including: chickens, horses, piglets, goats, cows, miniature ponies, a bull, a turkey and even a donkey.
With the recent addition of a newly born calf, Steed said crowds have even gathered around his barn to watch live cow births.
In addition to owning a farm and being an avid animal lover, Steed also tries to promote and honor the military on the farm’s last open weekend.
“We have a free military appreciation weekend where all active and retired military can come in and enjoy everything for free,” he said. “I appreciate what they do and I know the sacrifices they have to go through. I appreciate everything that they do; so why not give back a little bit and let them come out and have a good time.”
Steed’s Dairy Farm is located at 4634 Wrightsboro Rd in Grovetown and will open on Sept. 24 at 10 a.m. The farm will be open every weekend until Nov. 13.
Liz Wright is a staff writer covering education and general assignments for The Augusta Press. Reach her at liz@theaugustapress.com
