Background Page for South Dakota Hand Corn Husking
(note: images may be clicked for a larger view)
Competitive corn husking is a timed event1 scored2 on the amount of corn picked with deductions for missed ears of corn and
amount of husk remaining on the ears3.
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.
Visitors and newcomers may compete if they wish, but must register by the morning deadline. Watching is free, as is practice picking into a bucket carried by staff. For kids there is a corn box for kids to play in, corn husk doll making, horse drawn wagon rides, along with lawn games, and other activities. Visitors have also helped with gleaning and time keeping for the contest.
Notes:
Summary of information about 2024 National Corn Husking Contest held at Indian Creek Museum at Hastings, Iowa. (early Banquet registration discount, accomodations, T-shirts, etc.)
Screen shots of contest results are posted much more quickly on FaceBook's ("South Dakota Hand Corn Husking") than here. Also there is much more video and pictures posted there as well.
Endnotes:
1. Picking time is 10 to 30 minutes depending on Class.
3. Excessive husks on the ears hampers the drying of stored corn and promote the growth of mold. Corn as just kernals can be stored at up to about 15 percent moisture content without it spoiling.
Ear corn at say 25 to 30 percent moisture may be placed in cribs with many openings for air flow and over a period of months it will dry without molding.
Based on childhood experience. Needs more research
