2019 MAiZE Design: The Very Hungry Caterpillar

A Treasure Valley tradition is undergoing a transformation as The Farmstead relocates to Kuna. After 22 seasons of getting Idahoans lost in intricate cornfield mazes on leased properties in the area, owners Jim and Hillary Lowe have moved The Farmstead to a permanent location on their farm at 2500 South Eagle Road in Kuna.

Visitors to Lowe Family Farmstead will find the full fall experience they have come to expect of The Farmstead’s unique brand of fun. In addition to pumpkin picking, hayrides, and a whole array of on-the-farm activities, those who venture into the cornfield will inch their way through the twists and turns of a Very Hungry Caterpillar among the one-million stalks of corn ultimately destined for cattle feed.

The Very Hungry Caterpillar, a 50-year old children’s book authored by Eric Carle, follows a week in the life of a caterpillar who eats a different type of produce daily, eventually binging on a ridiculous assortment of foods followed by one nice green leaf in preparation for his transformation into a beautiful butterfly. The image carved into the field is a nod to the vast bounty of Idaho farms and ranches which produce more than 180 different commodities that find their way on to dinner tables around the world.

The 2019 design is also a metaphor for the journey of The Farmstead. Founded in 1997 as simply “The MAiZE,” The Farmstead has progressed from a novelty amusement into a standing tradition for families, groups, students, and more. A persistent appetite for fresh, creative farming fun has grown The Farmstead into a new creature-- poised to flourish with room to grow in this new location.

Lowe Family Farmstead’s approach to Farming Fun and Harvesting Memories has proven to be satisfying fare for native Idahoans and new transplants who are hungry for a connection with family, friends, and the cultural roots of Idaho. The Lowes hope visitors will figuratively eat their way through the whole experience and emerge with sweet memories and a fresh appreciation for Idaho’s bountiful harvest.