Moore Farms opens 'agritainment' site: Corn maze just part of the ag educational experience

By LYNN MONTGOMERY | East Texas Edition

Adventure seekers attending the "Media Day" at Moore Farms take on the corn maze.

Septtember 26, 2002 -- Have you every thought that getting lost in a corn field or picking a pumpkin for carving might lead to an educational experience?

With corn stalks and ripe pumpkins, Cleve and Leslie Moore have ventured into "agritainment," and it allows them to share their agricultural knowledge with those who visit.

Ideas for the activities at Moore Farms in Bullard began while living in Hooks, the couple saw a local pumpkin producer who was having fun and making money.

"We worked next door to Ramage Farms in Hooks. They grew pumpkins and sold them at their little country store. Leslie and I talked about it and decided that that was something we would enjoy doing," Cleve said.

After a lot of research and a move back to the family farm in Bullard two-and-a-half years ago, the Moores began putting their thoughts and ideas into process.

"Last year was the first year for pumpkins," Cleve said.

"But we have always planned to have the maze. We even visited a farm with a maze in Arkansas," Leslie added.

An aerial view shows the maze which has the farm's name.

The Moores met with Brett Herbst, the world's leading designer of over 330 corn "maze" agri-tainment fields worldwide. Together, they designed a maze in the shape of the Moore's pumpkin patch logo.

As of Sept. 14, the public can come walk through the Moore's maze.

People think that this is an easy thing to do. Just plant corn and pumpkins, Leslie said, but the couple found out it is not so simple thing.

"Corn has always appealed to me and it is difficult to grow. We have pictures of me with my first corn crop when I was about six," Cleve said.

Cleve said when he told his dad that he was planning to have a corn maze and start planting in July, his dad's way of thinking was "you need to start getting ready in January."

"According to Dad, you need to prepare your soil in January. With the tropical variety of corn, we are doing okay," Cleve said, in mid-September.

On July 12, Cleve, with family help, begin to plant the Pioneer variety of corn. By the first of August, the corn was 18 inches tall; Aug. 20, it was 30-plus inches tall.

The corn, which will last until frost or severe drought, has had ideal weather conditions.

"We couldn't have asked for better growing conditions," Cleve said. "Ideal conditions for growing corn are 90 degree weather, high humidity and one inch of rain per week. We have just about had those conditions."

Approximately 100,050 corn stalks later on five acres, the corn maze is open for school field trips and to the public.

Strong supporters of agricultural education, the couple offer an opportunity for children to utilize educational skills while having fun.

"We have up to six weeks of lesson plans posted on our website," said Leslie, who taught in the public school system for two years.

Schools can stay as long as they want too, but the actual lesson will take a little over an hour.

"Structured field trips are in an hour-and-fifteen-minute blocks. The block is a lesson, hayride and then gathering pumpkins or going through the maze," Leslie added.

The couple will also give back to the community as they team up with PATH (People Attempting To Help) for a scarecrow contest.

"Scarecrows for PATH is a contest designed to help decorate the farm and benefit the wonderful works at PATH," Leslie explained. "All schools and classes are invited to create a scarecrow to be displayed during October. The scarecrows will be voted on by way of a penny drive. Anybody can vote for their favorite scarecrow. All proceeds will be donated to PATH."

Deadline for entering the contest is Sept. 30 and complete details are on the farm website, www.moorefarms.com.

Moore Farms will provide an "extreme pizza" party for the winning class and second and third place prizes will be awarded.

Visitors who bring a canned good or a non-perishable item will receive $1 off admission during November, Leslie added. The food items will go to PATH to help needy families.

"We want people to come out, stay for as long as they like but most important enjoy themselves," Leslie said.

Visitors can enjoy activities such as a "u-pick" pumpkin patch, hayride, petting area, scarecrow workshop, pumpkin contest, games, and food.

The maze is open through Nov. 15, and the Pumpkin Patch will be open the month of October.

Field trips or other group reservations are conducted Mondays through Fridays.

The Moores will also open the maze for people who are interested in "getting lost" under the full moon. Full moon dates are Oct. 18-20 from 6 p.m. to 11 p.m.

For Halloween, the maze will host special hours from 4 to 8 p.m. for children 12 and under. Come dressed in costume and receive a discount and candy.

Cost is $6 for adults; $4 for ages 4-12; and age 3 and under free. There are special group rates available.

For more information, call (903)894-1030 or go online at www.moorefarms.com.