Drawing of the four steps involved in the selective reproduction of better seed.

Alfred Carlsted counting sprouted kernels to determine the percent that germinated, 1914.

Martin Carlsted turning the handle of a manual corn grader to grade and separate different sizes and shapes of kernels, c.1910.

Martin Carlsted turning the handle of a manual corn sheller to remove kernels, c.1910.

A farmer and his wife in bed with ears of corn suspended above them for drying in a warm bedroom.

Racks of corn suspended over a warm kitchen stove.

Two individuals tying up ears of corn on a rack for drying, c.1910.

Individuals evaluating stalks and ears of the corn in a field to select the best seed for the following year, c.1940s.

Large lecture room at University of Minnesota with ears of corn laid out for judging by students. Photographed by Harry D. Ayer c.1910.

Individual using a horse drawn planter to plant seed corn, c.1905.