Corn Harvesting Techniques of Pioneer Farmers

The wheat harvest completed, pioneer settlers turned their attention to their corn crops, a vital staple for survival in early American agriculture. Unlike modern farming practices, corn was not planted in neat rows but in hills scattered between tree stumps, making harvesting a labor-intensive process. Let’s explore the traditional methods used by pioneer farmers to harvest and process corn.

Planting and Growth
Corn was typically one of the first crops planted by pioneer farmers once they had cleared enough land to allow sunlight to reach the soil. The challenging terrain, dotted with tree stumps and tangled roots, made planting in rows impractical. Instead, farmers created mounds of topsoil where they planted numerous corn seeds. These mounds, known as hills, were scattered across the land, reflecting the irregular landscape.

Harvesting
When the corn was ready for harvest, the stalks were cut at ground level using specialized corn-cutting knives. These knives were often crafted by blacksmiths from recycled scythe blades or other worn-out tools. Some farmers used a unique iron cutter strapped to their calf, allowing them to kick through the stalks to cut them. Once cut, the stalks were gathered and leaned against each other in a teepee-like structure to dry out.

Shock Binding
To prevent the drying stalks from falling over, settlers used a wooden device called a shock binder. This spindle-shaped tool was used to bind the stalks together by cranking a rope around them, creating a sturdy shock. Some shock binders had additional features, such as curved wood pieces to apply uniform pressure on the stalks, ensuring they stood upright as they dried. The bound shocks were left in the field for several weeks to dry out before being transported to the barn.

Transporting and Processing
There were two main methods for transporting the dried corn shocks to the barn. Farmers either loaded them onto a shock wagon, similar to those used for wheat shocks, or used a two-man shock carrier. The carrier was a wooden framework with integrated handles and spikes to secure the shock for easy transport. Once in the barn, the twine holding the shocks together was cut, and the ears of corn were removed from the stalks for husking.

Fodder Making
After husking the corn, the stalks were cut into fodder for livestock feed or bedding. This process required the use of a fodder chopper, a V-shaped trough where the stalks were fed in and chopped into small pieces. Initially, farmers used simple knives for chopping, but as time passed, more sophisticated patent designs of fodder choppers emerged. These choppers featured various chopping mechanisms, from heavy iron knives to foot-treadle-operated blades, adorned with decorative motifs and manufacturer’s names.

The traditional corn harvesting and processing techniques of pioneer farmers highlight their resourcefulness and ingenuity in adapting to the challenges of early American agriculture. These methods, though labor-intensive, were essential for sustaining the pioneer families and communities. As we reflect on the rich history of corn cultivation, we appreciate the legacy of these early farmers and their contributions to our agricultural heritage.