Corn growers showed the amazing possibilities open to agriculture with the use of modern seed varieties, advanced production techniques and innovative growing practices this year. These great yields, which have been achieved nationwide despite many challenges, reflect farmers’ resilience and deep dedication to continuous improvement.
For example, David Hula topped the 600 bushel-per-acre mark again this year in National Corn Growers Association’s National Corn Yield Contest. Hula, of Charles City, Virginia, repeated his accomplishment and produced the highest yield in the contest with 602.1694 bushels per acre.
The National Corn Yield Contest is now in its 57th year and remains NCGA’s most popular program for members. For more than half a century, NCGA’s National Corn Yield Contest has provided corn growers with the opportunity to compete with their colleagues to grow the most corn per acre, helping feed and fuel the world. This has given participants not only the recognition they deserved but the opportunity to learn from their peers.
“This contest offers farmers a chance to come together both for good-natured competition and to help innovate the future of our industry,” said Lowell Neitzel, chair of NCGA’s Member and Consumer Engagement Action Team. “These contestants grow to be leaders in many other ways as well. For many, the contest may be their first interaction with NCGA. As they learn more, the true value of the work that we do to build a better tomorrow inspires greater achievement. Whether getting involved in advocacy, leadership or sustainability efforts, the contest breeds champions for corn farmers in many arenas.”
The 27 national winners in 9 production categories had verified yields averaging more than 376.7593 bushels per acre, compared to the projected national average of 177 bushels per acre nationwide. While there is no overall contest winner, yields from first, second, and third place farmers overall production categories averaged 285.5971 bushels per acre.
Winners receive national recognition in publications such as the NCYC Corn Yield Guide, as well as trips or other awards from participating sponsoring seed, chemical and crop protection companies. Winners will be honored in March of 2022 during Commodity Classic in New Orleans, Louisiana.
Visit the National Corn Growers Association NCYC for the complete list of 2021 National and State winners, including the list of all 2021 NCYC entrants.
