St. Louis, Missouri, USA
December 20, 2013

Advanced production techniques, informed growing practices and improved seed varieties helped corn growers achieve high yields in the National Corn Growers Association 2013 National Corn Yield Contest. Entrants continued to far surpass the national average corn yield, setting a contest record with a new all-time high yield of 454 bushels per acre. Additionally, a record five national entries surpassed the 400-plus bushel per acre mark.

The National Corn Yield Contest is in its 49th year and remains NCGA’s most popular program for members, setting a new participation record this year with 8,827 entries. This surpasses the previous record of 8,431 entries, set in 2011, and far outstrips the 8,263 entries received in 2012.

“While this contest provides individual growers a chance for good-natured competition with their peers, it also advances farming as a whole,” said Don Glenn, chairman of NCGA’s Production and Stewardship Action Team. “The techniques and practices contest winners develop provide the basis for widely used advances that help farmers across the country excel in a variety of situations, including drought. This contest highlights how innovation, from both growers and technology providers, allows us to meet the growing demand for food, feed, fuel and fiber.”

The 18 winners in six production categories had verified yields averaging more than 354.6 bushels per acre, compared to the projected national average of 160.4 bushels per acre in 2013. While there is no overall contest winner, yields from first, second and third place farmers overall production categories topped out at 454.9837.

The all-time high yield record of 454 bushels per acre was set by David Hula of Charles City, Va. The five national entrants recording yields of more than 400 bushels per acre are: David Hula of Charles City, Va.; Johnny Hula of Charles City, Va.; Double ‘SA’ Farms Inc. of Hart, Texas; Randy Dowdy of Valdosta, Ga.; and Dowdy Farms/Curtis Davis/Renato Lamas of Valdosta, Ga.

“Many of our members first joined NCGA so that they could participate in the National Corn Yield Contest and test their skills as a farmer,” said Tom Haag, chairman of NCGA’s Grower Services Action Team. “While they join to gain entry, their view of the organization, and corresponding level of participation, evolves. Once a contest participant looks at our activities and achievements on behalf of all American growers, they see the value in a grassroots approach that unites the voices of corn farmers across the country to affect change. Reluctant joiners turn into vital members, spokespeople for their industry and active advocates of NCGA membership.”

Winners will receive national recognition in publications such as the NCYC Corn Yield Guide, and potentially receive trips or other awards from participating sponsoring seed and crop protection companies. During the 2014 Commodity Classic in San Antonio, Texas, state winners will be recognized at the NCYC Breakfast and national winners will receive awards at the NCGA Awards Banquet. Contest winners will also be featured in a special edition of Progressive Farmer magazine.

Please visit National Corn Growers Association website www.ncga.com for the complete list of National and State winners.
 

Website: http://www.ncga.com

Published: December 20, 2013