Corn Yield Contest winners averaged 301.721 bushels per acre

Twenty-four winners in eight production categories averaged more than 301.721 bushels per acre — nearly twice the national average of 154.3 bushels per acre — in the National Corn Growers Association 2010 National Corn Yield Contest.
Winners attributed their success to advanced production techniques, informed growing practices and improved seed varieties. Above-average yields came in spite of challenging weather conditions that plagued the Corn Belt throughout the season. “While this contest provides growers a chance to participate in a good natured competition with their peers, it also advances farming techniques as a whole,” said Steve Ebke, chair of the NCGA’s Production and Stewardship Action Team. “The very techniques and practices contest winners develop provide the basis for more widely used advances that benefit the industry. This contest highlights how innovation, both from growers and technology providers, allows us to meet the growing demand for food, feed, fuel and fiber in a sustainable manner.”
Participation in the 2010 contest was up 2.3% over last year, with 7,119 entries.