NCGA Reminds Growers of Early Entry Deadline for Corn Yield Contest (6-16-06)

The National Corn Growers Association (NCGA) reminds growers the July 1 early bird entry deadline is looming for producers to enter the 41st annual National Corn Yield Contest (NCYC).
 
The fee is $75 for contest entries postmarked by July 1. The fee is $105 for entries postmarked July 2 through Aug. 1. No entries will be accepted that are postmarked beyond Aug. 1.
 
Growers can register online or download an entry form from www.ncga.com.
 
“The National Corn Yield Contest allows growers the opportunity to test different corn-growing techniques,” said Bill Chase, chairman of NCGA’s Production and Stewardship Action Team. “It provides new and innovative methods for growers to maximize yields. We urge contestants to take advantage of the savings by sending in their entry forms early.”
 
There are two new rules for this year’s contest.
 
A recheck will be required for initial yield checks of 235-299 bushels per acre. NCGA must be contacted by telephone and two new supervisors must be approved by NCGA. Last year the recheck kicked in at yields more than 225 bushels per acre, and the initial yield check supervisor could also be a recheck supervisor when initial yields did not exceed 250 bushels.
 
If the initial yield check is more than 300 bushels per acre, a recheck is required, and NCGA must be contacted by telephone. NCGA will assign two new supervisors.  A cell number will be provided at a future date for weekend contacts when yields are 300 plus bushels.
 
In addition, a checklist for supervisors will be sent to contestants with their confirmation letters. The checklist will also be available at www.ncga.com in the coming weeks.

Growers can enter nine categories: A Non-irrigated; AA Non-irrigated; A No Till/Strip Till Non-irrigated; AA No Till/Strip Till Non-irrigated; No Till/Strip Till Irrigated; A Ridge Till Non-irrigated; AA Ridge Till Non-irrigated; Ridge Till Irrigated; and Irrigated.

For the 2005 season, corn growers from 47 states submitted 2,997 entries. National winning yields in the nine categories ranged from 232.44 to 351.68 bushels per acre.
 
Winners of this year's NCYC will be announced in December and honored at the 2007 Commodity Classic, the combined convention and trade show of the NCGA, the American Soybean Association, and the National Association of Wheat Growers, March 1-3 in Tampa, Fla. Along with national recognition, winners may receive prizes from participating seed and crop protection companies.