2026 Tall Corn

Tallest Corn Stalks Win Awards at State Fair

The top towering corn stalks claimed honors in the Tallest Corn Stalk competition, held Thursday, August 13, at the 2026 Iowa State Fair.

Iowa Tall Corn

1st - Ron Zelle, Waverly, 16' 1"
2nd - Mary Beth Zelle, Waverly, 16" 0"
3rd - Joe Dunn, Carlisle, 14' 8'

American Tall Corn

1st - Ron Zelle, Waverly, 16' 1"
2nd - Mary Beth Zelle, Waverly, 16" 0"
3rd - Joe Dunn, Carlisle, 14' 8'

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 170 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. Fair Spirit, August 13-23, 2026. For more information, visit www.iowastatefair.org.