A well-managed high yield contest throws a well-deserved spotlight on the best of the best, but such a program can lead to improved efficiency and profits for all. That's the goal for the Alabama 2020 soybean yield contest, a first, and funded by the Alabama Soybean Producers

“Alabama averages planting 350,000 acres of soybeans annually. The legume plays an important role in our crop rotation. The top producing counties are in the northern tier of the state, but soybeans are grown statewide. The purpose of the contest sponsored by the Alabama Soybean Producers is to recognize the importance of soybeans in Alabama and honor the top growers. The contest will also help determine the common production practices that increase yield and profitability among the top producers," Eddie McGriff, Alabama Cooperative Extension regional agronomic agent, told Southeast Farm Press Aug. 14 soon after the official announcement for the contest.

McGriff is spearheading the contest this year, which will have four yield categories:

"However, a single producer will only be awarded his/her highest placing in one yield category," McGriff says.

A fifth category will be the most-efficient grower, or the grower with the highest profit per acre. Contestants are eligible to win one yield category and most-efficient grower. Plaques will be presented to first, second and third place winners in each category at the annual state Corn and Soybean Association meeting luncheon in Jan. 2021, contingent on virus restrictions at that time, in Huntsville.

Applications must be submitted or e-mailed before harvest and before Oct. 1. For more information, contact McGriff at [email protected].