One could probably best describe cow chipping as a quirky hybrid sport which incorporates elements of discus throwing, shot putting, and cow dung. Literally.

Cow chipping challenges an individual to hurl a “chip," a euphemism for a dried chunk of cow feces, as far as possible. While it sounds fairly simple, cow chipping actually does take quite a bit of talent. It takes serious skill and muscle to hurl most objects over a hundred feet. Most serious cow chipping competitors can hurl an irregularly shaped piece of cow dung that far on a consistent basis. Back in 1979 one individual, Leland Searcy, somehow managed to lob a cow chip a whopping 182 feet and 3 inches, the current world record.

Since contestants can not alter the shape of the chip, the selection of a good chip has emerged as an integral part of the cow chipping as well. For this reason doing well in a competition also depends partially on luck, since a person has to sift through a cartload of chips searching for one which suits their throwing technique. As Des Moines Register reporter Travis Graven observed while covering one cow chipping competition, “You’d think some of the ladies were picking fresh fruits and vegetables at the grocery store, the way they feel and analyze the cow chip selection to find a favorite to fling.” (1)

As mandated by the official “Chip Chuckin’ Rules” (2), all competitors must toss a chip at least six inches in diameter. Additionally, contestants have to throw bare handed. No gloves are allowed. By the way some contestants also choose to lick their hands to get a better grip on the chips. Cow chipping is definitely not a sport for the faint of heart.

Out in the Midwest it is not entirely uncommon for locals to converge on a town to participate in an annual cow chip throwing competition. Although cow chipping originates from Beaver, Oklahoma, the “Cow Chip Throwing Capital of the World,” it has also achieved a small degree of international acclaim as well. Apparently the glee derived from chucking chips has spread to distant countries such as Japan, Germany, and Australia.

Cow chips originally served as a convenient fuel source for the fires and stoves of early western settlers. Over the years it has evolved into a markedly different type of usefulness as a form of entertainment. Who knows, cow chipping might just have a chance to usurp baseball as “America’s Sport.”

(1) - http://www.desmoinesregister.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20050818/COMM01/50818010
(2) - http://www.wiscowchip.com/chuckinrules.htm