Cornhusking, Harvesting Heritage

Before farming became mechanized, picking corn by hand and pitching ears into a horse-drawn wagon was how harvesting was done. In the late 19th century, local contests were held to determine the best corn picker in the community. By the 1930s, hand corn husking became the fastest-growing sport in America, drawing over 100,000 spectators at national contests. Nebraska is one of nine states still hosting competitions. Join us in the field to follow competitors at the Nebraska State Hand Cornhusking Contest held at the Stuhr Museum.