The National Corn Growers Association’s 2017 National Corn Yield Contest included five national entries topping the 400-bushel per acre mark, and four of those were from Southeast farmers.

The five national entries surpassing 400 bushels per acre were:

David Hula, no-till, strip-till irrigated, Charles City, Virginia, 542.3 bushels per acre.
Craig Hula, no-till, strip-till irrigated, Charles City, Virginia, 529.1 bushels per acre.
Johnny Hula, no-till, strip-till irrigated, Charles City, Virginia, 504.7 bushels per acre.
Don Stall, irrigated, Charlotte, Michigan, 407.2 bushels per acre.
Randy Dowdy, irrigated, Valdosta, Georgia, 406.1 bushels per acre.

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

Other Southeast winners in the non-irrigated category include: Elvie Hunter, Hazel Green, Ala., 278.16 bushels per acre; Ann McCloud, Ochlocknee, Fla., 219.9; Michelle Dowdy-Deese, Valdosta, Ga., 327; David Sparks, Owensboro, Ky., 310.5; Drew Haines, Middletown, Md., 341.6; Dennis Boerema, Pantego, N.C., 275.7; and Ethan Tanner, Union City, Tenn., 312.

Improved seed varieties, advanced production techniques and innovative growing practices helped corn growers achieve ever-higher yields, according to NCGA contest officials.

Related:Virginia’s David Hula continues award winning tradition

“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.  

“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.” 

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.