Claude C. Cunningham, master farmer known for growing certified seeds, was born July 5, 1883 in Riley County, Kansas, and grew up in Manhattan, Kansas.

Following graduation from Kansas State Agricultural College and post-graduate work at Cornell University, Cunningham spent several years as an educator at Kansas State Agricultural College.

He retired early to fulfill his dream of farming, purchasing 200 acres north of El Dorado, Kansas. He became one of the nation’s leading plant breeders, producing and improving seed adapted to South-Central Kansas. Building a record of major contributions in the field of agriculture in an agriculture state, he was dedicated to the cause of improving agriculture, all the way from seed to harvest.

Cunningham died of a heart attack on Feb. 12, 1959. Among recognitions he had received was the Skelly award for Superior Achievement in Agriculture, Kansas State College’s award for distinguished service in the field of agriculture, and several premier seed grower awards.