The tradition goes on: South Dakota Corn Husking Contest celebrates 50 years

Katelyn Winberg
Oct 16, 2026
1 hr ago

Corn husking (119).JPG — A large sign stood in a wagon along County Highway 21, invites visitors to the 50th hand corn husking contest in Chester, S.D., Oct. 3.
Tri-State Neighbor photo by Katelyn Winberg

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For 50 years, a group of South Dakotans have gathered annually to celebrate a sometimes-forgotten part of agricultural history.

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Corn husking (24).JPG — Teamsters line up prior to the parade at the state corn husking contest in Chester, S.D., Oct. 3.
Tri-State Neighbor photo by Katelyn Winberg

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Corn husking (65).JPG — A competitor in the 10-14 year old boys’ class chucks a cob into the wagon.
Tri-State Neighbor photo by Katelyn Winberg

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Corn husking (98).JPG — A competitor in the 10-14 year old boys class unloads the corn he husked.
Tri-State Neighbor photo by Katelyn Winberg

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Corn husking (112).JPG — A “Wagon Guard” ribbon from the 1938 National Corn Husking Contest hangs beside photographs of a historical marker commemorating the event.
Tri-State Neighbor photo by Katelyn Winberg

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Corn husking (5).JPG — Three organizers, Brandon Fedeler, Verna Fedeler and Brian Dykstra pose on the grounds in front of a sign announcing the 50^th corn husking competition.
Tri-State Neighbor photo by Katelyn Winberg

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Born and raised on a farm in southeastern South Dakota, Katelyn currently resides in Sioux Falls. She enjoys attending SDSU football games (her alma mater), going to farmer’s markets and visiting her parents at their family farm. Reach her at kwinberg@tristateneighbor.com.