In an effort to encourage producers to strive for higher yields and higher levels of oil and protein, the Kentucky Soybean Promotion Board (KSPB) and the Kentucky Soybean Association (KSA) announce the 2009 Kentucky Soybean Quality and Yield Contest.

The quality contest has been outlined to encourage producers to strive for not only high levels of yield but also high quality beans. Both contests promote the use of good cultural practices to increase profitability for the betterment of Kentucky agriculture.

Any producer (owner-operator, tenant, or tenant-landlord) who produces 10 acres or more of soybean in the Commonwealth is eligible to enter in either the Single-Crop or Double-Crop Yield Division. Anyone entering the yield contest is also eligible to enter the quality portion of the contest. A $500 award will be given to the producer with the highest protein level and an additional $500 award will be given for the highest level of oil. Second place for oil and protein will receive $250.

This year’s yield awards include:

State Champion: Highest Yield Per Acre in State (Division I or II). Winner receives a trip for producer and spouse with up to $1,500 toward expenses for travel, lodging and registration to the Commodity Classic Annual Meeting (provided by KSPB), a trophy and a $500 cash award. Please note: the State Champion is not eligible for any other yield award.

Division I: Single-Crop Soybeans

a. First Place Highest Yield Per Acre. Winner receives trophy and $750 cash award.

b. Second Place Highest Yield Per Acre. Winner receives trophy and $400 cash award.

Division II: Double-Crop Soybeans

a. First Place Highest Yield Per Acre. Winner receives trophy and $750 cash award.

b. Second Place Highest Yield Per Acre. Winner receives trophy and $400 cash award.

District Awards: State award winners will not receive district awards. The producer with the highest yield per acre in each of the six districts will receive a plaque and $100 cash award.

All state and division winners will receive awards during the 2010 Commodity Conference held in Bowling Green, Ky. Winners will be provided lodging during the awards banquet by the KSPB. The KSA will award all winners with a one-year complimentary membership in the association.

Along with KSA and KSPB, the Kentucky Soybean Quality and Yield Contest is sponsored by the University of Kentucky Cooperative Extension Service and cooperating agribusinesses.

For a copy of the contest rules and regulations, contact a county agriculture Extension agent in Kentucky or the KSPB office at (800) 232-6769.