Garst Seed Company did landscaping at Sec Taylor Stadium Thursday by planting a mini-field of seed corn outside the stadium gates.

"This is our little version of the Iowa Field of Dreams," said Iowa Cubs General Manager Sam Bernabe.

Bernabe commented that Wrigley Field has Ivy, San Diego has palm trees and the Rockies have mountains in each of their ball fields, so now the Iowa Cubs have a cornfield. The idea for the Garst cornfield was a natural choice as representative of Iowa.

"It adds a lot of character to the outside of the stadium," said Bernabe. "Sec Taylor Stadium is probably the only ball park with corn growing outside of it."

Last year was the first attempt at this project; however, this year’s planting was a little more involved. Seven truckloads of soil were brought in from the Garst Seed Company research and corporate headquarters in Slater. After the soil was hauled in and worked up the planting began.

Cubby Bear, the Iowa Cubs’ Mascot, was on hand to witness and help the Garst Research Technicians plant the four rows of seed corn. The four rows consisted of Garst 8585, which was the chosen hybrid to plant because it is representative of what is most often planted in Iowa and the rest of the Cornbelt area. This was done as part of an effort to inform visitors to the Stadium of Iowa’s role in corn production.

"This gives folks a chance to see corn up close," said Garst Public Relations Manager Jeff Lacina. "Garst will provide signage telling folks about Iowa’s role in corn production. They will learn what corn is used for and how it impacts our lives and the state’s economy."

Besides having the Garst cornfield in front of the stadium, Garst has another tie to the ballpark. Garst purchased season tickets to the Iowa Cubs’ games and gives the tickets away to area farmers via a contest on WHO radio. Mark Pearson and Gary Wergin give away the tickets in a contest called the "Garst Guy Field of Dreams Seats," which is aired on the farm broadcasters’ "Big Show."

Roswell Garst founded Garst Seed Company in Coon Rapids, Ia. in 1930. Today the corporate and research headquarters reside in Slater, Ia. As the largest member of the Advanta Group, Garst Seed Co. is dedicated to providing quality performance, commitment and technology in the seed corn industry.