Indiana Corn Husking Contest Set for October 3
Published: Friday, September 18, 2026
The Indiana State Cornhusking Contest will be held on Oct. 3 at the Reed Farm, located at 27615 C.R. 48, Nappanee. This year is the 100th anniversary of corn husking competition in Indiana.
"Even though Indiana huskers have been competing in husking bees long before 1926, we recognize Flora, Ind. as the home to the very first Indiana state hand corn husking competition in the fall of 1926," said Clay Geyer, president of the Indiana Cornhusking Assn. "Dating back 100 years ago, more than 2,500 spectators gathered in a corn field to witness 10 contestants battling the bang boards for the top husker."
Over 300 people are expected to attend this year's contest, which will have over 100 registered huskers. Winners will receive cash prizes, gift cards and products from local businesses.
"This is a great family-oriented, friendly activity that draws all ages to compete in their respected age group while experiencing a blast from the past, to see how corn was harvested prior to machine," Geyer said. "Other activities will include a corn pit, corn hole, gravity wagon basketball and more."
The cornhusking competition is open to all Indiana residents and others who wish to join in on the fun. There will be 12 different age groups, from youth to golden agers, and a team competition, too. Contestants will register the morning of the contest and then report to the field to husk corn.
Each class is timed in 10- or 20-minute heats. The contestant will pull the ear of corn from the stalk and remove as many husks as they can before tossing the ear into the wagon. A gleaner will follow each husker to look for ears that were missed or bounced off the wagon. Once the contestant has finished, they will shovel their corn into a tub where it is weighed and inspected for excess husks.
There will be no admission fee or fee to park. Huskers wishing to compete will pay a membership fee of $10 to $20 depending on the class. The top three huskers from each class, except for teams, will advance to the national contest held in Marshall, Mo.
Food, drinks and ice cream will be available. The cornhusking association will have clothing, pot holders and blankets for sale.
Husking starts at 9 a.m., and the registration lasts from 8 a.m. through 3 p.m. For more information, contact Geyer at 574/952–7197; Ted Richards at 574/223–2747 or Indiana Cornhusking Assn. on Facebook.
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