“The corn we supply to the distilleries must be No. 1 yellow corn. It Is normal field corn, but we harvest it knowing the grain must meet quality standards for test weight and moisture content,” Steve explains. “Decades after we started selling our corn to Jim Beam, we still continue to supply them with quality corn and trucking services.”
Once the Wischmeiers’ corn arrives at the distillery, it is combined with other ingredients, including rye and malted barley, to create a sour mash. This mash is cooked down before fresh Kentucky water is added to the mix. After being cooled, yeast is added, and the mixture is fermented and distilled. Then, the mixed ingredients are heated and distilled a second time before being aged in oak barrels for at least four years.
In addition to growing high-quality corn in the state of Indiana, the Wischmeiers’ farming and trucking operation includes soybean production and a second farm location in south central Georgia. Trucking has long been integral to the Wischmeiers’ operation. Steve founded the trucking operation in 1990 with a single truck. Today, Wischmeier Companies Inc. operates more than 100 trucks.
Our children, Britney, Jack, and Craig are actively involved in the trucking, elevator and farming operations.
“We couldn’t do this without our children, our employees and friends, and our extended family members who are also involved in our farming operation,” Steve adds.