Fairfax Kiwanis Club recently hosted the 72nd annual Corn Yield Contest. Pictured above, left to right, are: Danny Kemerling, Kiwanis president; Aleesha Ball Lemar, FFA advisor; Josh Smith, first place; and Gena Mitchell, second place.

The Fairfax Kiwanis Club hosted the 72nd annual Corn Yield Contest for Fairfax R-3 FFA members. This year’s contest only had two contestants. The group, headed up by Aleesha Ball Lemar, FFA advisor and instructor, has high hopes of more entries next year. Timing on harvest yields played a factor of eligibility.

First place was awarded to Josh Smith, son of Chris and Mandy Smith, who also sponsored Josh with his project. Josh’s winning yield was 259.11 bushels per acre. Second place honors went to Gena Mitchell, daughter of Tony and Lisa Mitchell. Roger and Suzanne Southard were her sponsors. Gena’s yield was 242.93 bushels per acre. Both students gave reports on their projects and outcomes. Danny Kemerling, Kiwanis president, presented participants with plaques and pictures.

Bob Alldredge was in charge of the contest and shared interesting information gathered about various awardees and yields since the beginning of the contest in 1947. The yields are tremendously higher than in earlier years, but the cost of supplies, types of equipment used and land preparations have changed immensely as well.