Special to WROY/WRUL Courtesy of Amy McCarty
As history reveals, the first Corn King and Queen were crowned in 1930. The king was not a necessarily a 4H member though. Instead, it was the farmer who delivered the highest corn yield according to the Cooperative Extension Farm Service Advisor. The queen title has always gone to a 4Her however, the 4H member with the highest project record. By the early 1940’s, there were two Corn Kings, one a 4H member, both selected based on corn yields. Beginning in 1959, there was no adult king, only a 4H member according to records. By the 1990’s, scores were so close that the committee started an interview process using interview points as part of the contestants’ total score.
The 2025 sole Corn Queen Johanna Zieren, along with the other queen candidates picked up cash prizes from Kiwanis and told the club how they would recruit for 4-H when they have the opportunity Thursday afternoon.
Zieren states “What I love most about the Corn King and Queen contest is that the winner is selected base on their hard work and dedication to a wonderful 4-H program here in White County. It truly recognizes candidates for so many things that they do behind the scenes instead of a beauty contest and talent show. For instance, each of my fellow contestants and I were Teen Teachers this year with 4-H. We worked as a team to create, organize, and lead the Cloverbud lessons from February to May and again at the GIFT Garden over the summer. I think I can speak for all of us when I say thank you for publicly recognizing and honoring our commitment to 4-H and our community.”
“I wouldn’t be here today without Amy McCarty, Holly Healy, and Karen McKinney and their guidance over the years. I want to acknowledge each of the other candidates sitting here today. Working as partners with them yet competing against them has been a blessing to me, and I wish each of them the best of luck as they complete this next 4-H year. Again, I want to thank you Kiwanians for sponsoring the Corn Day King and Queen contest each year, and I will do my best to make sure there are some King candidates next year!”
Other 4Hers recognized Thursday include Kinsey Allen, Katelyn Garner, Trinity McCormick, and Jalynn Phillips, with 2024 Corn Queen Katelyn Davis also in attendance.