Missouri Soybean Association holding yield contest

The Missouri Soybean Association is holding a yield contest with new prizes for 2016, including automatic awards for growers with yields topping 100 bushels per acre. The annual competition recognizes producers across the state who truly excel in soybean production based on their crop yields. Growers have until Sept. 1 to complete their entry forms.

Last year, the Missouri Soybean Association introduced regional competitions, in addition to the statewide contest, according to a news release. Those regional contests are continuing for 2016, with growers in each of the association's seven districts competing against one another on yields - giving farmers the opportunity to show their skills against others' growing in similar soils and under similar weather conditions.

Winners in the district-level competitions will then go on to compete for statewide recognition and additional prizes.

Thanks to the partnership of the Missouri Soybean Merchandising Council and industry, top growers can receive a trip to the 2017 Commodity Classic in San Antonio, a UAV (drone) and accessories, gift cards to Cabela's and for biodiesel, as well as cash prizes. Growers with yields of 100 bushels per acre or more receive additional prizes as well. The highest yield above 100 bushels per acre will receive $1,000 in biodiesel or a $1,000 gift card to Cabela's. All other entries topping the 100-bushel mark will receive $500 in biodiesel or a $500 gift card to Cabela's.

The contest recognizes winners in separate categories for irrigated and no-till growing methods. The overall winner of the irrigated contest will be selected from all entrants who used irrigation on their crop, regardless of tillage practice. The overall winner of the non-irrigated contest will be selected from district winner(s) of the No-tillage and Tilled categories. Entries must be from fields 10 acres or larger and located within the State of Missouri, and all participants must be at least 18 years of age. Each entry must be submitted on a separate entry form and accompanied by the $10 entry fee.

Prizes will be awarded during the Missouri Soybean Association's annual meeting in early 2017. Winners will also be recognized online and in Missouri Soybean Farmer magazine.

Entry forms, rules and prize details are available online at mosoy.org, or growers can request copies by calling the Missouri Soybean office at 573-635-3819.