Knee High By The Fourth Of July

Woerner

New member
Messages
1
What was the origin of the phrase 'knee-high by the fourth of July'? What was its purpose?
 
Nathaniel

Nathaniel

Farm Hand
Messages
28
I don't know the origin of the phrase, but it refers to how well your corn will do that year. Corn is expected to be at least knee-high by late June or early July. If it is, this usually predicts that you'll have a good yield that year. If the corn hasn't gotten off to a good start, chances are that your yield won't be good that year.
 
Trubadour

Trubadour

Farm Hand
Messages
45
That's an old saying. Really old in fact. When you use the human body as a gauge for measuring, you know it's an old way of doing things. Like measuring distance on land by your gait. While you're walking, each stride is roughly 3 feet long
 
Farmallh

Farmallh

Golden Chicken
Messages
123
I don't know where it came from. My grandfather always said it, I say it every year. It's really how I judge corn too. It's like a guide!
 
FarmHand

FarmHand

Golden Chicken
Messages
149
If the corn is at your knees by the 4th of July, you'll have a good crop.
 
 
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