National corn growers announce record contest results in 2015

An entrant in the National Corn Yield Contest, the National Corn Growers Association’s (NCGA) most popular contest, posted a record-high yield of over 532 bushels per acre national average.

Five of the 7,729 entries surpassed 400-plus bushels per acre.

“The contest does more than just provide farmers an opportunity for friendly competition; it generates information that shapes future production practices across the industry,” Brent Hostetler, chairman of NCGA’s Production and Stewardship Action Team, said. “The techniques contest winners first develop grow into broad advances that help farmers across the country excel in a variety of situations. Our contest emphasizes how innovation, from growers and technology providers alike, enables us to meet the growing demand for food, feed, fuel and fiber.”

Corn growers were helped in the contest this year by improved seed varieties, advanced production techniques, and innovative growing practices. There are 18 winners in six production categories, but no overall contest winner. The record for overall production was set this year by David Hula of Charles City, Virginia.

The contest is also a great tool to persuade corn growers who are not yet part of the National Corn Growers Association to join.

“The National Corn Yield Contest drives so many corn farmers to initially join NCGA,” Patty Mann, chairwoman of NCGA’s Grower Services Action Team, said. “While they may initially join to gain contest entry, these members become increasingly involved and supportive as they learn more about the breadth of activities NCGA carries out on farmers’ behalf. Just as the contest promotes the on-farm techniques developed by many single growers to benefit all corn farmers, NCGA’s grassroots efforts join the single voices of members together to create positive change and real opportunities for our industry.”

Winners will be honored at the NCGA Awards Banquet and the contest's State Winners Breakfast. In addition, they will receive recognition in relevant publications and cash, trips or other awards from sponsoring seed, chemical and crop protection companies.