The early-entry deadline for the National Corn Yield Contest is Wednesday, July 1, the National Corn Growers Association reminds growers.

Entries submitted after this date, but before the final Aug. 1 deadline, will cost growers more per hybrid entered. The program is now in its 45th year and had more than 6,700 entrants in 2008.

“We know growers in many parts of the country have had a challenge planting their crops this year,” said David Ward, chairman of NCGA’s Production and Stewardship Action Team. “The good news is that the USDA’s crop condition reports are showing a 2009 corn crop that is doing quite well. We’re really looking forward to seeing some of the yield numbers in the fall harvest.”

Winners will receive national recognition in publications, such as the NCYC Corn Yield Guide and at the National Awards Banquet and State Awards Breakfast at the 2010 Commodity Classic in Anaheim, Calif. More importantly, growers experience the challenge and satisfaction of learning production techniques that will enhance their corn yields.

Grower participation also benefits the entire industry, because NCGA utilizes the wealth of information from the contest to study production trends. Growers’ information is used by NCGA and others to statistically demonstrate the production efficiencies of corn growers and their dedication to soil and nutrient conservation.

NCGA initiated software enhancements that developed an interface problem with the contest software. The interface problem has been worked out and NCGA expects to release an online entry form shortly. An entry form is available now that growers can print out and mail in to the organization’s St. Louis office.

Click here for more information on the National Corn Yield Contest.