Giltner-made folding corn head makes top 16 in NE ‘coolest things’ contest

A 27-row folding combine corn head manufactured by Bish Enterprises of Giltner has made the final 16 list of products in the fourth annual Coolest Thing Made in Nebraska competition. From farm equipment to iconic foods, Nebraskans now have the chance to decide which product will claim the 2025 title.
Bish engineered a record-setting version of this technology — the world’s largest folding corn head — featuring a remarkable 27-row, 20-inch spacing configuration built with John Deere C Series Row Units. The corn head is a specialized corn-harvesting attachment for a combine that folds hydraulically for transport. Unlike a traditional corn head, which must be removed and hauled on a trailer, its outer sections swing inward, making the combine significantly narrower and easier to move on roads or through gates. With its massive working width and compact folding design, it proved that even the biggest machines can be efficient, road-legal, and user-friendly, showcasing how modern engineering can evolve traditional harvesting tools into groundbreaking solutions.
The competition, hosted by the NE Chamber and NE Manufacturing Alliance, and presented by Pinnacle Bank, celebrates Nebraska’s dynamic manufacturing industry, home to more than 100,000 Nebraskans working in manufacturing every day.
“Manufacturing is a pillar of Nebraska’s economy, and this competition is a chance to celebrate the companies and people making a difference every day,” said Todd Bingham, NE Chamber President.
“These 16 products represent just a fraction of the innovation happening across our state, and we’re excited to showcase them as we discover the 2025 Coolest Thing Made in Nebraska.”
Voting is open for the first round of the bracket-style competition and will continue through 11:59 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 7. Advanced rounds will follow throughout September. Manufacturers, students and all Nebraskans are invited to cast their votes for their favorite product each week at www.nemanufacturingalliance.com.
The tournament will help launch NE Manufacturing Month this October. The 2025 Coolest Thing Made in
Nebraska will be announced Oct. 6 at the NE Chamber’s Manufacturing Summit in La Vista, where finalists will also be invited to display their products.