Schleswig Farmer Wins State Fair Tallest Corn Stalk Crown

DES MOINES, IA (08/11/2023) (readMedia)-- The annual battle for corn stalk supremacy was won by John Cassens of Schleswig, with a winning entry of 17 feet, 7 inches. The 80-year-old farmer bested 18 other competitors in the Tall Corn Contest judged prior to the start of the 2023 Iowa State Fair.

Second place was claimed by Mayson Wood of Baldwin, with a stalk measuring 16 feet and ¼ inch tall.

John Sparrgrove of Castalia earned third place with a 16-foot-tall stalk.

The contest was part of "Rural Americana Olde Tyme Competitions" in Farm Bureau Pioneer Hall. A first prize of $5 and ribbons were awarded to each class.

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The Iowa State Fair is one of the oldest and largest agricultural and industrial expositions in the country and the single largest event in the state. The Fair began over 160 years ago and is now considered one of the best events in the nation, attracting more than one million Fairgoers every year from all over the world. The Fairgrounds are located at East 30th and East University, just off the interstate and minutes from Downtown Des Moines. Best Days Ever at the Iowa State Fair, August 10-20, 2023. For more information, visit www.iowastatefair.org.