NCYC ONLINE ENTRY NOW OPEN

Becky Finfrock

May 14, 2014  |  Today's News

With planting well underway in much of the country, the National Corn Growers Association invites farmers to register early for NCGA's National Corn Yield Contest and save big on entry fees. Until June 16, fees will be reduced to $75. NCGA reminds growers that a small time investment now saves money later this summer.

"While it may still seem a ways out, we all know how quickly the time passes once planting season starts," said Production and Stewardship Action Team Chair Don Glenn. "Every year, we gain valuable data from the contest that help develop the production practices of tomorrow. I urge those who haven't entered before to become NCGA members and try their hand at high-yield techniques as contest entrants in 2014."

To enter today using the online form, click here.  NCGA will also release a version of the online form suitable for use on mobile devices in the near future.

Entry will remain open at the full rate of $110 through August 1. All harvest forms will be due by November 21. Contest winners will be announced on December 19.

NCGA reminds farmers that there have been updates to the rules for the 2014 National Corn Yield Contest. In addition to moving to a solely online entry platform, contest rules have been revised to further ensure contest integrity while also accommodating for technological advances to make participation easier.

In an effort to accommodate changing technology, NCGA will allow the use of lasers to measure row lengths beginning this year. Notably, a laser may only be used to measure if the rows of the harvest plot are straight and the field is flat. The laser must be able to hit point to point. If the field has any type of curve or slope, a laser may not be used to measure it for contest purposes. It is recommended supervisors verify the calibration accuracy of any lasers used.

In addition to the aforementioned change, changes have been made to the rules dictating supervisor presence and duties as well.

For entries with yields of 289.9999 bushels per acre or less, one or two NCGA approved supervisors will complete the initial harvest check. No recheck will be required. For yields of 290 bushels per acre or higher, one or two NCGA approved supervisors will complete the initial harvest check, but a recheck is required. This recheck must be conducted by two NCGA approved supervisors. While one supervisor from the initial check may be used for the recheck, one new NCGA approved supervisor must also conduct the recheck. The use of two NCGA approved supervisors not involved in the initial check for the recheck is also permissible. Entries with yields of 350 bushels per acre or higher must notify the NCGA office by e-mail at ncyc@ncga.com or by phone at (636) 733-9004 before and after the recheck.

Finally, contest rules now require the supervisor(s) involved in all yield checks, whether initial or a recheck, must initial all weigh tickets submitted as part of the harvest forms for contest entries.

For access to contest information and a detailed list of the entry and harvest rules, click here.

For half of a century, NCGA's National Corn Yield Contest has provided corn growers the opportunity to compete with their colleagues to grow the most corn per acre, helping feed and fuel the world. This has given participants not only the recognition they deserved, but the opportunity to learn from their peers.

Winners receive national recognition in publications such as the NCYC Corn Yield Guide, as well as cash trips or other awards from participating sponsoring seed, chemical and crop protection companies. In Phoenix, Ariz., during the 2015 Commodity Classic, winners will be honored during the NCGA Awards Banquet and the NCYC State Winners Breakfast.