The state Corn Husking Competition will be held October 5 near Chester.
Competitive corn husking is a timed event scored on the amount of corn picked with deductions for missed ears of corn and amount of husk remaining on the ears.
At the state contest for South Dakota, horse drawn wagons with a driver keep pace with the competing huskers. When hand husking was common, most horses were trained to follow the rows and the horses were guided with voice commands by the husker as to keeping the wagon at an appropriate position.
The wagons have bang boards, high sides opposite the husker, to allow the huskers to concentrate more on picking and husking and less throwing the corn into the wagon. During the contest the thump of ears of corn on the bang boards can be heard.
The compeition will begin at 11:00 a.m., with registration from 9:00 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. and a Horse Parade at 10:30 a.m. Cost is $10 to compete, but free for those 20 and under. It will be held at the Fred Fedeler Farm located at 46119 240th Street, Chester, SD.
South Dakota residents ranked 1st to 3rd in almost all Classes will receive a plaque and be eligible to compete in the national contest a few weeks later.
Visitors and newcomers may compete if they wish, but must register by the morning deadline. Visitors have also helped with gleaning and time keeping for the contest.
Watching is free, as is practice picking into a bucket carried by staff. Concessions will be available, and some bench seating is placed, though it’s recommended to bring your own chair.
For kids there is a corn box to play in, corn husk doll making, horse drawn wagon rides, along with lawn games and other activities.
