Online entry for the popular National Corn Yield Contest is now available. Growers can utilize this quick and easy application to take advantage of the reduced early registration fee of $80 for entries received before July 1. After that date, the online entry will continue to be available, but entry fees return to the $110 level. To qualify for the contest, entries must be postmarked no later than August 2.

Now in its 46th year, the contest has been trending toward increasingly higher levels of participation with a record 6,958 entrants in 2009.

“The online entry form provides growers with a great entry option for the contest,” says Grower Services Action Team Chair Tim Dolan. “By applying online, entrants can save both time and the effort of both completing and mailing the paper form.”

Winners will receive national recognition in such publications as the NCYC Corn Yield Guide and at the National Awards Banquet and State Awards Breakfast at the 2011 Commodity Classic in Tampa, FL. 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.