Luke Hornung Tops Field Again in Nutrien Ag Solutions’ Tallest Corn Contest

For the fourth time in recent memory, nine-year-old Luke Hornung has proven that his green thumb towers above the rest—literally.

The annual Tallest Corn Plant Contest, sponsored by Nutrien Ag Solutions, returned once again to county fairs stretching from Colorado’s Front Range to the Stockton area. With corn stalks stretching high into the sky, this year’s winner came as no surprise to longtime followers of the event. Hornung, already a three-time champion, added another first-place ribbon to his collection with a towering stalk measuring an impressive 128.5 inches.

“I’d say first, a good four times,” Luke said when asked how many times he’s topped the contest. His secret? No music, no magic soil—just skill, a backyard shed for protection, and an early start. “He was two when he got started with his dad,” his mother said.

The Oasis News is powered by

Hornung's winning entry earned him a $30 prize and plenty of admiration from the fairgrounds, where many recognized him as the reigning champ. His plant not only won locally but also held its own against some of the biggest stalks grown in high-silage areas of Colorado, where the growing conditions and competition are fierce.

Second place went to Corbin Wilson, whose corn measured a solid 120 inches, earning him $20. Rounding out the top three was Pierce Fikan at 116 inches, good for a $10 prize.

While there’s no official statewide record—yet—the idea has been floated. “We do this from parts of Colorado all the way to Stockton,” said an Nutrien Ag judge. “The 128 is right up there with the best.”

Judging was conducted informally, with stalks measured in person and tallied at the contest booth, drawing interest from both fairgoers and agricultural experts. While many entries were part of personal gardens, the competitive spirit—and pride in homegrown success—was in full bloom.

Despite his youth, Hornung handles the attention with poise and humility. He grows his plants in the backyard and doesn’t sell the crop, instead growing sweet corn for the family garden. His dedication has made him a fixture at the county fair and a role model for other young growers.

As Nutrien Ag Solutions continues to support youth agriculture through contests like these, they help cultivate more than crops—they grow community, tradition, and the next generation of farmers.

Congratulations to Luke Hornung, once again standing tall as this year’s corn stalk king.