Kurt Stahle
For the Stahle family, their annual peaches and cream sweet corn sales is a tradition and a labor of love. Check their Facebook page – Stahle’s Peaches and Cream Sweet Corn, for times they’ll be in the Dairy Queen and E’s Floral parking lot off Highway 1.
SOLON — Every summer, a familiar sight pops up just off Highway 1 in Solon. A truck filled with freshly picked ears of peaches and cream sweet corn, and a group of residents ready to sell it. Behind the seasonal staple is sixth-generation farmer Kurt Stahle, who grows corn not just for its taste, but to create a meaningful experience for local kids to help and for residents to enjoy.
“It all started as something to keep the kids busy,” Stahle said. “I don’t make a penny on it — it’s all for them.”
Stahle’s sweet corn patch spans about three acres of land that he rotates annually near his family’s farm, where he and his relatives also grow field corn and soybeans. The peaches and cream variety, known for their bicolor kernels and candy-like sweetness, is hand-picked early in the morning, when moisture levels are highest, and flavor is at its peak.
“My son and his friends will show up around 6:30 in the morning,” Stahle explained. “We pick it with a loader tractor and dump it in an old truck. Then they head up to the Dairy Queen lot to sell.”
The corn stand, parked near E’s Florals and Dairy Queen corner, has become a trusted part of the local food scene. Many residents rely on Facebook updates to know when to come and get corn. The Stahles maintain a strong online presence through their Facebook account, regularly posting the times and dates for selling their delicious corn. Thanks to strong community ties, the Stahles have a reliable place to sell and a loyal customer base. “There’ll be cars waiting for the boys before they even arrive,” Stahle laughed. “It’s a good sign the product’s worth it.”
The corn sells between $8 – $10 a dozen, depending on quality, but the goal has never been about profit. Instead, it’s the result of a true family effort. Kurt Stahle works alongside his sister-in law, Jenny Stahle, his brother Kyle Stahle, and his good friend Tom Breneman to grow and prepare the corn for sale. With help from his kid and local kids who pitch in to pick and sell each morning, it’s a collaborative tradition that brings the community together year after year.
Still, the process isn’t without challenges. Last year’s heavy rains led to widespread mold, wiping out a large portion of the crop. This year’s drier conditions have been more favorable, though Stahle is always hoping for a well-timed rain.
“We’re not trying to be the biggest. We want to do something meaningful,” he said. “It gives the boys a reason to get up early, creates a fun bond, and connects us with the community.”
Farming is in Stahle’s blood. With hopes to continue the tradition for years to come, Stahle’s sweet corn isn’t just about taste — it’s about family, hard work, and local pride.