ST. LOUIS — Advanced production techniques, informed growing practices and improved seed varieties helped corn growers achieve high yields in the National Corn Growers Association 2009 National Corn Yield Contest.
Despite the challenging weather conditions that plagued the Corn Belt throughout the year, entrants continued to far surpass the national average corn yield, even doubling it in some circumstances.
The 24 winners in eight production categories had verified yields averaging more than 300 bushels per acre, compared to the projected national average of 162.9 bushels per acre.
While there is no overall contest winner, yields from first, second and third place farmers overall production categories ranged from 287.0744 to 346.0156 bushels per acre.
This year, the National Corn Yield Contest drew 6,960 entries, a 3.5 percent increase over 2008 (6,727 entries) and 41 percent increase over 2007 (4,932 entries).
“It was great to see both veteran growers and new faces among the list of entrants,” said Tim Dolan, chairman of NCGA’s Grower Services Action Team.
“This program has always been one of the most popular member benefits we offer, and it continually provides growers a chance to celebrate success and learn better growing methods.”
The national and state contest winners will be honored at the 2010 Commodity Classic. (link opens .pdf)
A No Till/Strip Till Non-Irrigated*
David Hula, Renwood Farms Inc
Charles City VA
Pioneer 33M57; 319.3165 bpa
Mike Scholting,
Louisville, Neb.
Pioneer 32T84; 296.2255
Marcus Huffman, Marcus Huffman Farms
Auburn KY
DEKALB DKC63-42; 295.5605
A Non-Irrigated
Emily Anthony,
Talmage, Neb.
Pioneer P1508HR; 303.9658
Brandon Snodgrass,
Brock, Neb.
Pioneer 33D49; 299.4949
Evan Oswalt,
Plantersville, Miss.
DEKALB DKC67-87; 299.4381
AA No Till/Strip Till Non-Irrigated
C & J Farms
Chaffee, Mo.
Seed Consultants SC 11HQ38; 288.9059
David & Mason Hansen, H & H Farms LLP
Crescent, Iowa
Pioneer 33Y75; 288.6477
Mez-Farm
Bagley, Wis.
Pioneer 34F07; 287.0744
AA Non-Irrigated
Leslie Lindner, LCL Farms Inc.
Keokuk, Iowa
DEKALB DKC63-42; 298.3101
Kevin Kalb,
Dubois, Ind.
DEKALB DKC63-42; 296.1144
Matthew Cox, M C Farms
Scott City, Mo.
Pioneer 33D49; 294.5914
Irrigated
Bill Wright, Wright Farms
Walsh, Colo.
Pioneer 32N73; 346.0156
Michael Haverkamp,
Pasco, Wash.
Pioneer 33Y74; 324.7184
Merl Rexford,
Meade, Kan.
Pioneer 33D47; 315.3688
No Till/Strip Till Irrigated
Roy Carlson, Roy & Shirley Carlson Farms
Hereford, Texas
Pioneer 33Y74; 314.9336
A J Siebert,
Dalhart, Texas
Pioneer 33Y75; 309.6140
Mark Collins, DMC Farms Inc
Laurel, Del.
DEKALB DKC61-69; 309.2973
Ridge Till Irrigated
Steven Albracht,
Hart, Texas
Pioneer 32N73; 341.1997
Matthew Cox, J & M Farms
Scott City, Mo.
Pioneer 33D49; 321.7183
Jerry Cox, Cox Farms
Delta, Mo.
Pioneer 31D59; 309.8535
Ridge Till Non-Irrigated
Blane Anthony,
Talmage, Neb.
DEKALB DKC63-42; 314.0698
Jerry Cox,
Delta, Mo.
Pioneer 31D59; 296.5053
Chris Santini,
Stewartsville, N.J.
Pioneer 34P92; 290.9003
Note: Class AA categories include the states of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Minnesota, Missouri, Ohio and, Wis.sconsin. Class A categories include all other states.
