NCGA ANNOUNCES 2017 YIELD CONTEST WINNERS

Jan 15, 2018  |  Today's News

ST. LOUIS (December 18, 2017) -- Improved seed varieties, advanced production techniques, and innovative growing practices helped corn growers achieve ever-higher yields in the National Corn Growers Association 2017 National Corn Yield Contest. Again, this year, five national entries surpassed the 400-plus bushel per acre mark.

The National Corn Yield Contest is now in its 53rd year and remains NCGA’s most popular program for members.

 “The contest provides farmers more than just an opportunity for friendly competition; it generates data that impacts future production practices across the industry,” said Roger Zylstra, chair of NCGA’s Stewardship Action Team. “The techniques first developed by contest winners grow into far-reaching advances, helping farmers across the country excel in a variety of situations.  Our contest emphasizes innovation both from growers and technology providers, thus enabling 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 386 bushels per acre, compared to the projected national average of 175.4 bushels per acre in 2017. While there is no overall contest winner, yields from first, second and third place farmers overall production categories topped out at 542.2740.

 “So many corn farmers initially join the National Corn Growers Association for the chance to participate in the National Corn Yield Contest,” said John Linder, chair of NCGA’s Engaging Members Committee. “Yet, as they become more familiar with the breadth of activities NCGA carries out on the behalf of farmers, these members become increasingly involved and supportive. 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.”

Congratulations to Illinois winners in these categories:

 

AA Non-Irrigated

1st James Cecil of Rock Island

* Dan Luepkes of Chana

2nd Fred Tipton of Savanna

3rd Scott Reel of Mendota

Irrigated

1st Phillip Friedrich of Green Valley

2nd Andy Cox of Mason City

3rd Scott Miller of Tamms

AA No-Till/Strip-Till Non-Irrigated

1st Grant Storm of Brimfield

2nd Brad Smith of Milledgeville

3rd Matthew Swanson of La Harpe

No-Till/Strip-Till Irrigated

1st Dan Luepkes

2nd David Luepkes

3rd Paul Young

 

For more than half of a century, NCGA’s National Corn Yield Contest has provided corn growers the opportunity to compete with their colleagues to grow the most corn per acre, helping feed and fuel the world. This has given participants not only the recognition they deserved but the opportunity to learn from their peers.

Winners receive national recognition in publications such as the NCYC Corn Yield Guide, as well as cash trips or other awards from participating sponsoring seed, chemical and crop protection companies. The winners will be honored during Commodity Classic 2018 in Anaheim, Calif.

Please visit National Corn Growers Association website www.ncga.com for the complete list of National and State winners. National winners will be announced at 9 a.m. CST and State winners will be announced at 10 a.m. CST.