World's Largest Ear of Corn, world record in Olivia, Minnesota

February 27, 2024

Olivia, Minnesota, United States--The 25-foot-tall corn monument in Olivia, Minnesota, sits roadside along Highway 212 atop a gazebo, welcoming travelers to the number one corn and soybean production county in Minnesota; erected in the summer of 1973 to commemorate the fact that modern hybrid seed corn production began in Olivia and that Olivia is the “Corn Capital of the Midwest," it sets the world record for being the World's Largest Ear of Corn, according to the WORLD RECORD ACADEMY.

Photos: Facebook/Olivia Chamber of Commerce

"The World’s Largest Ear of Corn flies solo in Olivia, Minnesota. The 25-foot-tall corn monument sits roadside along Highway 212 atop a gazebo, welcoming travelers to the number one corn and soybean production county in Minnesota," the Midstory.com says.

"Olivia’s dependable weather conditions and rich soil provide the perfect conditions for seed research, making the town a hotspot for agricultural innovation.

"The rural town of less than 2,500 people is home to nine seed research companies, two seed production companies, an agricultural environmental solutions company and the world’s largest seed corn broker. All of this has earned Olivia the title “Corn Capital of Minnesota.”

"While spending a couple days in the town of Olivia MN we learned they are the "Seed Corn Capital of the World"

"The story goes that in 1973 Bob Rauenhorst, owner of Trojan Seed Company, wanted an ear of corn bigger than any other. Perched atop a 25-foot-tall gazebo, making the half-husked cob an impressive 50 feet high," the Destination Small Town says.

"An incredible point of interest in a incredible community that we are looking forward to spotlighting!"

"The Corn Monument is prominently located at Memorial Park along Highway 212. Numerous visitors stop to have their picture taken with the colorful statue," the Destination Small Town says.

"It was erected in the summer of 1973 to commemorate the fact that modern hybrid seed corn production began in Olivia and that Olivia is the “Corn Capital of the Midwest.” Today, the city is home to nine seed research companies, two world leading contract seed production companies, an edible bean plant, the world’s largest seed corn broker, and an agricultural environmental solutions company.

"To recognize Olivia’s leadership in agricultural innovation, Minnesota Senate Resolution 105 (2004) officially designated Olivia the “Corn Capital of the World."

"Hagen was communications director with Trojan Seeds when a sign company representative was visiting with him in the early 1970s about the town’s growing reputation in the seed corn industry," the West Central Tribune says.

"The two brought the idea of erecting a giant ear of corn to Trojan Seed Company founder Bob R. Rauenhorst. He insisted it be at least 2 feet longer than any other being used as a monument, said Hagen. They knew of one near Rochester, and he called to learn that it was 23 feet long. Olivia’s was erected in 1973. It is 25 feet long and stands atop a building that makes it 50 feet high.

"Its location along U.S. Highway 212 makes it a popular roadside attraction. Travelers often stop and pose for photos in front of it. This monument was erected to tell the story of Olivia’s role as a world leader in the seed industry, and to celebrate the area’s agricultural heritage."

"This giant ear of corn roosting on top of the gazebo roof would have been tacky if it weren't so nicely rendered," the Fotospot says.

"The gazebo and ear are each 25 feet tall making this landmark an impressive 50 feet tall from the ground to the top.

"The giant cob was created to pay homage to Olivia's status as the "Seed Corn Capital of the World." (Submitted by Craig Dameron)"