Yes, 24-Hour Corn Vending Machines Are Real—and We’ve Got Them in Louisiana
Do you ever wish that you could grab corn on the go at any hour, 24-7, day or night? If you're in Louisiana, I'm here to tell you that you're in luck.
While some Louisianans are just discovering them, 24-hour corn vending machines have been around since at least 2020, providing a unique convenience for hunters and farmers alike. Mitch Rabalais recently shared a post on X (formerly Twitter) highlighting a corn vending machine in Rayville, Louisiana, bringing renewed attention to this practical solution that aligns perfectly with the state's outdoor culture.
While Rabalais's post may not clarify, these vending machines dispense deer feed corn, not the buttery corn on the cob or Mexican street corn some might imagine. Despite this, the concept is still innovative, especially for those early morning hunters in need of quick and easy access to feed.
Growing Popularity of Corn Vending Machines
Upon further investigation, it appears that Rayville is home to one such corn vending machine. Little Creek Farms, a prominent local farm, produces a significant amount of corn, and although it's unclear if they directly own the vending machine, their influence in the local corn market is substantial.
In addition to Rayville, other locations in Louisiana have embraced this trend. Notably, Maize Kraize, a company specializing in corn vending machines, announced their first installation in the state in 2020. Dr. Patrick Savoy brought the first Maize Kraize unit to Oakdale, located next to Sonic at the corner of Hwy 165 and LA1152.
A Kraize Over Maize
Maize Kraize, founded in 2016 by Jason Spiller and Ben Burleson, aims to bridge the gap between farmers and consumers. Their vending machines, the first and only legal NTEP Certified self-service machines of their kind, offer corn in bulk, providing a direct-to-consumer sales model that eliminates the middleman. This approach not only benefits farmers by giving them control over their selling prices but also offers consumers discounted bulk corn compared to traditional alternatives.
Ben Burleson, co-founder of Maize Kraize, shared his motivation: "I've been a farmer almost all my life, and I was looking for a way to market corn and other products directly to the public." This innovative solution allows for high-quality service throughout the equipment's lifetime, ensuring customers get exactly what they pay for.
Convenience for Hunters
For Louisiana's hunting community, these vending machines have been a game-changer. The 24-hour availability is particularly beneficial for hunters who are often on the move early in the morning. Now, they can conveniently pick up deer feed corn any time of day or night, adding a level of ease and efficiency to their outdoor activities.
While some residents are just finding out about these corn vending machines, they have been providing a valuable service to Louisiana's hunting and farming communities for several years. With options like Maize Kraize providing top-quality service and products, hunters and farmers can enjoy a seamless experience, ensuring they have everything they need right at their fingertips.
Now, we gotta work on street corn and corn on the cob to-go, and we'll be set.
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Gallery Credit: Joni Sweet