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Local farmers win top state honors in corn yield contest

April 4, 2022

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 to salute farmers from across the country for their efforts and exceptional results in the National Corn Yield Contest. Through their efforts, NCGA members contribute valuable data that will help all growers overcome incredible obstacles as they continue to drive efficient and sustainable agricultural production.

Dale Ockels of Milton placed first in the state’s Conventional Irrigated Class with a yield of 315.8317 bushels per acre. The hybrid used in the winning field was Dekalb DKC63‐91RIB.

C Wyatt of Harrington won first in the state’s H:Strip‐Till, Minimum‐Till, Mulch‐Till, Ridge‐Till Irrigated Class with a yield of 306.2949 bushels per acre. The hybrid used in the winning field was Pioneer P1506AMTM.

Ockels and Wyatt were two of 530 state winners nationwide. 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.

The National Corn Yield Contest provides a special twofold opportunity – to contribute to the knowledge that will help corn farmers thrive in the future while enjoying good‐natured competition and camaraderie with their peers today,” said Lowell Neitzel, chair of NCGA’s Member and Consumer Engagement Action Team. “At its core, NCGA shapes dynamic, change‐driven farmers, from the grassroots activists speaking up on policy issues to the dedicated farmer leaders who lead our organization.”

 

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