REMEMBER TO SUBMIT HARVEST FORMS FOR NATIONAL CORN YIELD CONTEST TODAY

Becky Finfrock

Oct 28, 2014  |  Today's News

 The National Corn Growers Association reminds entrants to submit harvest forms for the 2014 National Corn Yield Contest as less than one month remains until the final deadline. Please note, entrants are asked to report within seven days of their final yield check or by Nov. 21, whichever comes first.

"We ask that contest entrants remember the importance of submitting harvest forms within one week of their final yield check to allow NCGA staff adequate time to thoroughly review each form," said Production and Stewardship Action Team Chair Don Glenn, a farmer from Alabama. "The National Corn Yield Contest plays a significant role in recognizing excellence and finding new, more productive techniques. We hope that growers continue to support the contest by seeing their entry through and submitting their completed harvest data forms."

To enter today using the online form, which now includes a mobile version accessible by iPad or tablet, click here

The National Corn Yield Contest is now in its 50th year and remains NCGA's most popular program for members. While an official count of the entries submitted for the 2014 contest is not yet available, participation appears to be strong again this year.

The online harvest form is available to both farmers and seed representatives using the same login process as the initial entry form. Login does require submission of the entrant's NCGA membership number.

NCGA moved to a solely online entry platform this year, but all entrants must complete one final step after submitting the online harvest form. Following online submission, they must submit a printed copy of the harvest confirmation form with the appropriate weight tickets attached for verification. Failure to do so will void entry. Forms and other required documentation must be sent by mail to NCGA and postmarked no later than seven days after the final yield check or by Nov. 21, whichever is earlier. See complete rules for details.

Notably, NCGA will also accept printed harvest form submissions this year.

NCGA also reminds farmers that contest rules have been revised to further ensure contest integrity while also accommodating for technological advances to make participation easier.

In an effort to accommodate changing technology, NCGA will allow the use of lasers to measure row lengths beginning this year. Notably, a laser may only be used to measure if the rows of the harvest plot are straight and the field is flat. The laser must be able to hit point to point. If the field has any type of curve or slope, a laser may not be used to measure it for contest purposes. It is recommended supervisors verify the calibration accuracy of any lasers used.

In addition to the aforementioned change, changes have been made to the rules dictating supervisor presence and duties as well.

For entries with yields of 289.9999 bushels per acre or less, one or two NCGA approved supervisors will complete the initial harvest check. No recheck will be required. For yields of 290 bushels per acre or higher, one or two NCGA approved supervisors will complete the initial harvest check, but a recheck is required. This recheck must be conducted by two NCGA approved supervisors. While one supervisor from the initial check may be used for the recheck, one new NCGA approved supervisor must also conduct the recheck. The use of two NCGA approved supervisors not involved in the initial check for the recheck is also permissible. Entries with yields of 350 bushels per acre or higher must notify the NCGA office by email at ncyc@ncga.com or by phone at (636) 733-9004 before and after the recheck.

Finally, contest rules now require the supervisor(s) involved in all yield checks, whether initial or a recheck, must initial all weigh tickets submitted as part of the harvest forms for contest entries.

For access to contest information and a detailed list of the entry and harvest rules, click here.

Click here for the 2014 National Corn Yield Contest Online Harvest Form.

Click here for a printable PDF version of the 2014 National Corn Yield Contest Harvest Form.

For 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. In Phoenix, Ariz., during the 2015 Commodity Classic, winners will be honored during the NCGA Awards Banquet and the NCYC State Winners Breakfast.