The Virginia Grain Producers Association (VGPA) has announced the 2010 Virginia Wheat Yield Contest.

Improved crop management, new seed technologies, and more efficient production practices will all be showcased by Virginia’s top wheat producers. The Virginia Wheat Yield Contest is hosted by VGPA in cooperation with Virginia Cooperative Extension. Please see official guidelines for participating seed companies in this year’s contest.

Any member of VGPA currently growing wheat is eligible to enter this year’s yield contest. All entries must be postmarked by July 15, 2010 in order to qualify for the yield challenge. Membership applications and additional information can be found at http://www.virginiagrains.com.

"The annual Wheat Yield Contest allows Virginia's exceptional grain producers to showcase their production abilities. With new research and seed hybrids combined with improved production technologies, Virginia's grain industry is constantly producing more efficiently and effectively, allowing Virginia's wheat producers to compete globally," said Molly Pugh, VGPA executive director. "This contest provides VGPA and Virginia agriculture as an industry to highlight the many successes of modern, environmentally sound, production agriculture."

Wade Thomason, Virginia Tech?s Extension grains specialist added, “We are encouraging wheat producers to enter this year’s contest. It's important to show we are good stewards and that we produce high wheat yields at the same time. Virginia Cooperative Extension utilizes the contest results to provide education about best management practices and products that will allow producers to be more efficient and profitable.”

The Wheat Yield Contest is open to growers across the Commonwealth. Statewide winners will be selected according to harvested yield and cash prizes from $200 to $700 will be awarded for the top four state winners.

All entrants must be members of the Virginia Grain Producers Association. Membership applications, contest guidelines and entry forms can be downloaded at http://www.virginiagrains.com. Winners will be announced on or before Aug. 2, 2010.