Jay Smith of Fairfax, Missouri, placed third in the state in the AA Non-Irrigated Class of the 2017 National Corn Yield Contest sponsored by the National Corn Growers Association. Smith received his trophy from Rachel Orf, NCGA Director, Stewardship and Sustainability during the recent Commodity Classic in Anaheim, California.

The backbone of agriculture in the U.S. continues to be the American farmer. As they strive to meet the growing demand for corn required to satisfy increasing world need, three area growers have been honored for their efforts through the 2017 National Corn Yield Contest. The national contest, sponsored annually by the National Corn Growers Association, recognizes farmers from across the country for their exceptional efforts.
James R. Ball of Fairfax, Missouri, placed third in the state in the AA No-Till/Strip-Till Non-Irrigated Class with a yield of 294.8452 bushels per acre. The hybrid used in the winning field was DEKALB DKC64-35RIB. The winning field was located in Missouri.
Phillip Cooper, Fairfax, placed third in the state in the No-Till/Strip-Till Irrigated Class with a yield of 275.3133 bushels per acre. The hybrid used in the winning field was Pioneer P1197AM™. The winning field was located in Missouri.
Jay S. Smith, Fairfax, placed third in the state in the AA Non-Irrigated Class with a yield of 297.7424 bushels per acre. The hybrid used in the winning field was Producers Hybrids 7263VT2RIB. The winning field was located in Missouri.
The National Corn Yield Contest began in 1965 with 20 entries from three states. The highest overall yield was 218.9 bushels per acre, while the national yield average was in the mid-60 bushel-per-acre range.
The winners were recognized February 29 at the 2018 Commodity Classic, the premier convention and trade show of the U.S. corn, soybean, sorghum, wheat and equipment industries, held this year in Anaheim, California. For a complete list of winners and for more information about NCYC, visit the NCGA website at www.ncga.com.
The National Corn Growers Association represents more than 40,000 members, 49 affiliated state corn grower and checkoff organizations, and hundreds of thousands of growers who contribute to state checkoff programs.