The Arkansas Soybean Association is pleased to announce the continuation of the Grow for the Green Soybean Yield Challenge. This is the sixth year for the contest and it is open to all soybean producers in Arkansas. The entry deadline is August 1.

The 2016 format continues with the geographic regions and prizes. The state is divided into seven geographic regions and an entire state conventional (non-GMO) category. Categories are:

Cash prizes for each category will be awarded to the top three producers (minimum of 60 bushels/acre) at the Arkansas Soybean Association Annual Meeting in January. First place is worth $7,500, second place is worth $5,000, and third place is $2,500. In addition, the top producer in the state across all categories will receive additional prize money and a trip to Commodity Classic in March 2017.

New this year is a bonus for producers achieving 120 bu/A by 2020. The prize for this portion of the contest is $10,000 (split if more than one producer reaches goal).

Crop production information is being compiled by personnel with the Arkansas Soybean Association and/or the University Of Arkansas Division Of Agriculture as a resource for Arkansas producers on all those who enter the contests. 2015 data along with all previous contest results are available on the Arkansas Soybean Association website at www.arkansassoybean.com or the Arkansas Soybean Promotion Board website at www.themiraclebean.com.

Jeremy Ross, Arkansas Extension soybean agronomist says, “These contests and the production information gleaned from the producers show the continued potential of soybean production in Arkansas.  All producers should be interested in the results.”

The 2015 crop year produced a repeat winner, Matt Miles of McGehee (third year) and two new members in the 100 Bushel Club: Charles Galloway and Perry Galloway from Gregory. Perry Galloway produced 108.759 bu/acre. The Galloways split the $5,000 prize money as new members of the 100 Bushel Club.

New producers in 2016 that achieve the 100 bushel mark are eligible for $5,000 (divided if more than one) and membership in the club. New 100 bushel club members are also eligible for a trip to Commodity Classic.

This contest is administered by the Arkansas Soybean Association with funding provided by the Arkansas Soybean Promotion Board using soybean checkoff funds. Crop management assistance is provided by the University Of Arkansas Division Of Agriculture Extension Personnel and many of our state certified crop consultants.

The field must have been planted to soybeans in at least one of the last three production years prior to 2016 and the contestant must have paid the appropriate checkoff assessments on the soybeans.

Entry forms with a complete list of rules are available by contacting the office at (501) 666-1418 or from your local county Extension agent. They can also be downloaded at www.arkansassoybean.com or www.themiraclebean.com.