Yield Contest Changes in 2019

The North Carolina Soybean Yield Contest has a long history of recognizing top producers in the state and sharing information about which Best Management Practices may help other growers increase yields. This contest is sponsored by the North Carolina Soybean Producers Association but administered by NC State Soybean Extension.

Traditionally there have been two categories for entry, a High Yield Contest and a Most Efficient Contest, but these categories are changing for the 2019 season. The category and prize structure is being updated based on feedback from growers across the state.

We hope these changes will garner more interest in thecontest, encourage more individuals to submit entries, help us better alignwith other state soybean contests, and allow us to award more producers fortheir hard work.

The big change for 2019 is the Maximum Efficiency Contest will be eliminated. Instead, an Irrigated and Non-Irrigated division will be introduced. The categories and prize structure are outlined in the graph below.

Thetop overall highest yield per acre in the state (regardless of irrigationpractices) will still be awarded a trip to the Commodity Classic meetingaccompanied by his/her County Extension Agent. The top overall winner is noteligible for division or regional awards.

Butfor the first-time next year, there will then be a first and second place prizeawarded for both the irrigated division and non-irrigated division. Frist placein each division will receive a $500 cash award and second place in eachdivision will receive a $200 cash award. Division winners are not eligible forregional awards.

Regionalawards will still be awarded to the producer with the highest yield in each ofthe five geographic areas, regardless of irrigation practices. This will be a$100 cash award. State award winners are not eligible for regional awards. Soother producers will have a chance at a regional award in regions where the statechampion or division winners were grown.

The official rules for the contest can be found here, but here are a few things to remember as you plan for contest plots throughout the year.

• Any grower who produces three or more acres in NC is eligible to enter the contest.
• A minimum of three acres must be evaluated in one contiguous area with all sides being straight lines.
• At least one representative of the County Soybean Contest Committee must be present at harvest and weighing.
• Entries must be submitted by December 10, 2019

We are excited about the potential the 2019 season brings and looking forward to being able to award growers for their top soybean yields!