ST. LOUIS, Dec. 17, 2007 (PRIME NEWSWIRE) -- Innovative production techniques and improved seed varieties helped corn growers achieve top numbers in the National Corn Grower Association (NCGA) 2007 National Corn Yield Contest. Not only was the number of entries higher than ever before, but several entrants scored yields of more than double the estimated average.
"We're always excited to see the great work of our growers," said Steve Ebke, vice chair of NCGA's Production and Stewardship Action Team and a grower from Daykin, Neb. "This contest demonstrates the sort of innovation that has helped our corn farmers meet all needs -- food, feed, fuel and fiber."
The 27 winners in nine production categories had verified yields averaging more than 298 bushels per acre, compared to the estimated national average of 153 bushels per acre. Ten winners (and 24 entrants overall) posted yields of more than 300 bushels per acre.
While there is no overall winner in the contest, yields of farmers who placed first, second and third in their production categories ranged from 252.6366 by Gary Porter of Mercer, Iowa, to 385.5861 by David K. Hula of Charles City, Va.
The national and state contest winners will be honored at the 2008 Commodity Classic, the combined convention and trade show of NCGA, the American Soybean Association and the National Association of Wheat Growers, Feb. 28 to March 1 in Nashville, Tenn. Contest winners will also be featured in a special edition of Farm Journal magazine. This year's guide is sponsored by BASF, Bayer CropScience and Deere & Company.
Following are the 27 national winners by class:
Legend for Winners:
Winner Name Winner Home City, State Where Field Is Located Hybrid Brand and Number Yield
Note: Class AA categories include the states of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Minnesota, Missouri, Ohio and Wisconsin. Class A categories include all other states.
A NON-IRRIGATED
Sam Santini Stewartsville, NJ DEKALB, DKC61-66 313.7308 Paul Bickett Central City, KY Pioneer, 31D61 291.5654 Darrell Hagan Whitesville, KY Pioneer, 33P70 274.8402
AA NON-IRRIGATED
Wally Linneweber Vincennes, IN Pioneer, 33M57 292.5293 Kevin Kalb Dubois, IN Pioneer, 33N12 280.7783 R & D Walter Farms Grand Ridge, IL DEKALB, DKC61-69 279.9772
A NO TILL/STRIP TILL NON-IRRIGATED
PPJ Thompson Farms Owensboro, KY DEKALB, DKC63-46 297.0972 Castlen Bros. Farm Owensboro, KY Pioneer, 34P94 275.9974 AAA Farming Lebanon, PA DEKALB, DKC57-79 275.8299
AA NO TILL/STRIP TILL NON-IRRIGATED
Mez-Farm Bagley, WI DEKALB, DKC61-69 286.6688 Kathy Little Hebron, IN Pioneer, 33N12 284.5612 Mezera Farms Bagley, WI Pioneer, 34R67 281.0622
NO TILL/STRIP TILL IRRIGATED
David K. Hula Charles City, VA Pioneer, 33M57 385.5861 Johnny Hula Charles City, VA DEKALB, DKC63-39 370.8539 Donny Carpenter Farms Dimmitt, TX Pioneer, 33Y74 340.5762
A RIDGE TILL NON-IRRIGATED
Elwin Tanner Union City, TN Pioneer, 31D61 286.4549 Jyl Brown Talmage, NE Pioneer, 33T57 270.591 Chris Santini Stewartsville, NJ Pioneer, 32T84 254.3752
AA RIDGE TILL NON-IRRIGATED
Cox Farms Delta, MO Pioneer, 31N28 271.1172 John Tomhave Jacksonville, IL DEKALB, DKC63-39 260.1277 Gary Porter Mercer, IA Pioneer, 33M16 252.6366
RIDGE TILL IRRIGATED
Steven Albracht Hart, TX Pioneer, 33Y74 340.2373 M & B Farms Scott City, MO Pioneer, 31D61 320.8753 J & J Farms Delta, MO Pioneer, 31N28 316.3674
IRRIGATED
K-K FARMS #5 Purdy, MO Pioneer, 31N28 328.9704 Cartrite Farms Sunray, TX Pioneer, 31N28 318.9375 K-K Farms #6 Purdy, MO Pioneer, 32B29 313.2453