Holcomb’s Adams, 91, places in state and national corn-husking contests

Despite being over 10 years older and with less picking experience than most of his competitors, 91-year-old Dewayne Adams of Holcomb recently placed second in state and fifth nationally in his division in corn-husking competitions.Adams qualified for the national contest in Marshall, Missouri, by finishing in the top two in the state for ages 75 and older at an event in Monmouth. He’s been participating in corn-husking contests since 2017. Before farming became mechanized, picking corn by hand and pitching ears into a horse-drawn wagon was how harvesting was done. In the late 19th century, local contests were held to determine the best corn picker in the community. By the 1930s, hand corn-husking became the fastest-growing sport in America, drawing over 100,000 spectators at national contests. Today, the National Cornhusking Association sponsors a contest in the fall to determine who is the best. There are 12 classes that huskers can participate in. Nine states are members of the Nati