National Cornhusking Contest Keeps Traditions Alive

“This is a great opportunity for young people to learn history,” Emma says. “For the last 10 years, we’ve been holding educational events for local schools on the Thursday before the contest begins. This year we had close to 700 kids come through here, not just to learn about cornhusking, but also to learn how to shell corn and use antique equipment to make apple cider and rope.” FC 

Check out these Videos from the Glory Days of Cornhusking Contests. 

Jerry Schleicher is a country humorist and cowboy poet. He grew up on a crop and cattle operation in western Nebraska, and now lives in Missouri. Contact him at 8515 Lakeview Dr., Parkville, MO 64152; email: gschleicher1@kc.rr.com. 

For more information:
• National Cornhusking Assn. (and links to state associations), online at Cornhusking.
• The 2012 Nebraska State Cornhusking Contest and National Cornhusking Contest will be held Oct. 20-21 at the Merrick County Fair Grounds, Central City, Neb. For more information, contact Central City Area Chamber of Commerce, 1532 17th Ave., Central City, NE 68826; phone (308) 946-3897.
• To purchase a copy of The National by Mitchell Burns, contact the author at 21397 Hwy. M, Brookfield, MO 64628; phone (660) 258-5503.
• Corn Huskers’ Battle of the Bangboards by Leonard Jacobs is out of print.
• When Farmers Were Heroes: The Era of National Corn Husking Contests, 27-minute DVD.