Corn Clubs: Building the Foundation for Agricultural and Extension Education

Corn clubs played an important role in improving agriculture at the turn of the 20th century. Corn clubs were local organizations consisting of boys who cultivated corn on one acre of land under the supervision of a local club leader. The purpose of this historical research study was to document the organization, operation, and outcomes of corn clubs. The corn-club movement was cooperatively promoted by various groups such as universities, public schools, agricultural societies, state departments of agriculture, the United States Department of Agriculture, and various philanthropic groups. Corn clubs operated in both the white and Negro schools. The corn club movement increased the demand for agricultural education in public schools and influenced the development of the National FFA Organization and 4-H Youth Development Organization. Strategies and procedures from corn clubs can be adapted and utilized in agricultural and extension education today.