A commitment to continuous improvement in environmental and economic sustainability. A contribution to the body of agronomic research that pushes the needle forward on efficiency. An innate call to be one’s personal best.

These are the hallmarks of the American farmer. It is this steadfast spirit that the National Corn Growers Association tips its hat to every year as they salute farmers from across the country for their efforts and exceptional results in the National Corn Yield Contest. Through their efforts, NCGA members contributed valuable data that will help all growers overcome incredible obstacles as they continue to drive efficient and sustainable agricultural production.

James Ball, Fairfax, Missouri, placed second in the state D: No-Till Non-Irrigated Class with a yield of 335.8864 bushels per acre. The hybrid used in the winning field was Lewis Hybrids 16DP887.

Kaden Cooper, Fairfax, placed second in the state G: No-Till Irrigated Class with a yield of 270.2239 bushels per acre. The hybrid used in the winning field was Pioneer P1359AMTM.

Miles Smith, Fairfax, placed third in the state D: No-Till Non-Irrigated Class with a yield of 323.1101 bushels per acre. The hybrid used in the winning field was Wyffels Hybrids W7878RIB.

The 2021 contest participation included 7,213 entries from 47 states. Of the state winners, 27 growers – three from each of nine classes – were named national winners, representing 14 states.

The average yield among national winners was more than 376.7593 bushels per acre – more than double the projected 2021 U.S. average of 177 bushels per acre. While there is no overall contest winner, yields from first, second and third place farmers’ overall production categories topped out at 269.4164 bushels per acre.

Farmers are encouraged through the contest to utilize new, efficient production techniques. Agronomic data gleaned from the contest revealed the following:

• Average planting population for the national winners was 38,111 seeds per acre, compared to 34,751 for all entrants.

• National winners applied an average of 276.1851 pounds of nitrogen, 82.5925 pounds of phosphorus and 134.0740 pounds of potassium per acre.

• Average commercial nitrogen use per bushel of yield was 0.88 pounds for the national winners and 0.89 pounds for all entrants.

• 40 percent of the national winners applied trace minerals, compared to 41 percent of all entrants.

• 45 percent of national winners applied manure, compared to 18.35 percent of all entrants.

The National Corn Yield Contest began in 1965 with 20 entries from 3 states. At that time, 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 National Corn Growers Association represents nearly 40,000 members, 50 affiliated state corn grower and checkoff organizations, and over 300,000 corn farmers who contribute to state checkoff programs.