A New South Wales farmer has successfully trialled a popcorn crop which will eventually end up in movie cinemas across the country.

Key points: Corn grown for popcorn requires different specific growing conditions to that grown for sweet corn

Corn grown for popcorn requires different specific growing conditions to that grown for sweet corn The moisture content of the kernel must be between 13 and 14 per cent for the kernels to pop

The moisture content of the kernel must be between 13 and 14 per cent for the kernels to pop Amid drought conditions, popcorn crops are one strategy that allow corn growers to diversify for water efficiency

Brendan Booth, who farms at Geurie, 30 kilometres east of Dubbo, has been looking for ways to diversify his crop.

He said despite being in intense drought he was pleased with his first attempt.

"It's good to have a win — it hasn't been easy, but it looks like we've made it to the finish line," Mr Booth said.

"We are constantly looking for water efficiencies and so we wanted to try something a bit different from mainstream.

"We produce a lot of sweet corn for Edgell's, so it was just a bit of diversification."

Growers must ensure the moisture content of the kernel is between 13 and 14 per cent — which is required for the kernels to pop. ( ABC Western Plains: Jen Browning )

A fickle crop

The crop is more fickle than sweet corn, because growers must ensure the moisture content of the kernel is between the 13 and 14 per cent required for the kernels to pop.

The challenges are worth it, Mr Booth said, because of the broader benefits associated with the crop.

Once the corn leaves Mr Booth's farm it goes into silo storage to let the moisture equalise.

From there it is put through a cleaning process and then packaged up for customers, in anything from bulk truckloads to 15kg bags.

Unlike sweet corn which is sent to be processed in Bathurst, this popcorn processing creates jobs in nearby Forbes, before the end product makes its way to supermarket shelves and movie theatres.

"It's exciting to know that what we do creates jobs through local factories," Mr Booth said.

"[There are] nearly 200 jobs down in Bathurst, over to Forbes with Lachlan Commodities — more local families and local business and the flow-on effect from the decision in what we grow is huge in the local economy."

Andrew Cogswell from Lachlan Commodities produces the popcorn and said demand for the snack is growing in Australia.

"In the last five years it's grown five-fold in comparison to what it was — and that's just domestic demand," he said.

"So [there is] no export yet but there is a large export market for it, so we'll certainly be targeting that and increasing the volumes of production, especially in this area."

Farmer Brendan Booth and local popcorn processor Andrew Cogswell standing in corn field. ( ABC Western Plains: Jennifer Browning )

Mr Cogswell said the health food craze is also contributing to its popularity.

"Popcorn is seen as more of a wholegrain, wholesome product," he said.

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"I know we can cook it in butter and oil but it is still seen as a wholegrain product being healthier."

Mr Cogswell said it has been great to have more local producers getting on board,

But he said rain is needed to ensure the longevity of it.