Winners of the National Corn Growers Association National Corn Yield Contest were recently announced. A record-breaking crop across the U.S. bolstered this year's contest, along with advanced production techniques, informed growing practices and improved seed varieties. With over 8,129 entries, competition was stiff.

While there is no overall winner, the 18 winners from six production categories had verified yields averaging more than 383.6 bushels per acre, with the highest yield boasting an all-time contest high of 503 bushels per acre. Congratulations to these national winners representing the Show-Me State:

AA No-Till/Strip-Till Non-Irrigated: 1st Place - Cox Farms, Delta, 349.10 bu./acre.

TEST TIME: Missouri corn growers, like Gronefeld Farms in St. Charles County, were eager to see just how their farm's corn crop compared to others across the country in the NCGA corn yield contest. They conducted yield checks at their farm this fall.

AA No-Till/Strip-Till Non-Irrigated: 2nd Place - Nick Lanpher, Cape Girardeau, 314.09 bu./acre.

AA No-Till/Strip-Till Non-Irrigated: 3rd Place - J&M Farms, Scott City, 312.58 bu./acre.

AA Non-Irrigated: 1st Place - Lance Neff, Marshall, 362.81 bu./acre.

A full list of national and state rankings is posted can be found at http://www.ncga.com/for-farmers/national-corn-yield-contest. Contest winners will be honored at the 2015 Commodity Classic in Phoenix, Ariz. Be watching for this year's CYC registration later this spring.

Source: Missouri Corn Growers Association