The Illinois Soybean Association (ISA) checkoff program is putting Illinois soybean farmers at the controls for their mission to better yields – and offering the chance to win $5,000 in the 2016 Yield Challenge. Now in its sixth year, the 2016 contest offers farmers three ways to compete – the 100-Bushel Challenge, the Crop District Shootout or Side-by-Side Sponsor Plots.

CHALLENGE WINNERS will receive a certificate and recognition at a special dinner held before the 2017 Soybean Summit in Peoria.

"Soybean farmers continue to break records with 100 bushels and more, and the Yield Challenge gives them a key venue to showcase their achievements," says John Longley, soybean farmer from Aledo, Ill., and ISA Production Committee chair. "They can actively put cutting-edge strategies and agronomics to work on their farms and reap immediate rewards and recognition."

Choose from Three Missions

100-Bushel Contest – Growers who achieve the greatest qualifying yield greater than 100 bushels per acre take home the top prize of $5,000. Two growers so far have proved it is possible with record-breaking 100-bushel-plus soybean yields during the last two seasons.

Crop District Shootout – While growers set their sights on 100 bushels, they also can compete in a second competition with other growers in their crop district for the top yield. First place gets $500. Second place gets $250. Winners will be recognized in all nine Illinois crop districts.

Side-by-Side Sponsor Plots – This contest rewards growers for testing innovative practices (Challenge Plot) against their regular practices (Standard Plot). The grower with the highest percentage yield increase in his or her district gets $500. Second highest gets $250.

Students Welcome to Compete

The Yield Challenge provides the opportunity for students to gain hands-on experience in innovative and effective crop production techniques. ISA encourages FFA chapters and college students, through their local clubs, to register in their appropriate crop district competitions.

Simple Entry and Data Collection

To start competing in the 2016 Yield Challenge, visit soyyieldchallenge.com to complete a simple interest form. You can download the form and mail it back to ISA or complete it online. The first official registration form is due by Sept. 1, 2016. Registration is $25 per plot entry with no limit on plot entries. Yield totals and other production data are easy to collect and must be submitted via the harvest form by Nov. 15, 2016, and verified by an approved third-party. Direct questions to Jim Nelson, Yield Challenge Coordinator, at 309-825-7542 or mailto:[email protected].